Unpaid Carers
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Bishop of Leeds
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The noble Lord highlights a crucial point. We are saying all the way through that there needs to be greater coming together at a local level. NHS England is taking this exceptionally seriously, working with local authorities, GPs and ICBs, for example, to make sure that they come together. One of the most important aspects of its work—for example, the conference it is setting up—is that the voices of carers themselves are heard, that the incredible importance of their experience is recognised, and that no assumptions are made about what should be done on their behalf. It is critical that they are at the centre of all the work going forward. I will indeed write to the noble Lord on his last point.
The Lord Bishop of Leeds
My Lords, many of the children and other young carers, referred to in a previous question, depend on charities. Are the Government content that the balance is right between what the state offers and charitable support?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The right reverend Prelate raises a very good point. These issues are at the centre of all the discussions that are going forward to make sure we get the right balance, that everyone who has a say gets an opportunity to be heard, and that we get a much better package of support for all the unpaid carers who need it.
Europe: Arts and Creative Industries
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Bishop of Leeds
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
To reiterate my earlier comments, the negotiations are ongoing, and it would not be appropriate to go into the detail of where we are. Let us be honest: this is incredibly complicated. I do not think anyone really understood the level of complexity involved in leaving the EU and all its greater implications. I hear the noble Baroness’s comments; they will be fed in. I am very heartened by the change in relationships, the willingness to embrace and have discussions, and, most importantly, collaboration with the wider sector, which will absolutely direct the course of travel.
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
One of the enormous benefits of taking part in these debates is that one always learns something new. For instance, I have now learned all about the issue of cabotage—I do not know whether other noble Lords are fully apprised of it—and the sheer difficulty of physically moving across Europe when you have all the individual countries to deal with. Of course, these matters are close to our hearts; we all value young people travelling across Europe as our closest partner, and these areas are being fully discussed.
The Lord Bishop of Leeds
My Lords, I know many people in the creative sector who are worried about the generational impact of this issue. We have already heard the phrase “plan for change”, but this generation is losing the vital experience not only of performing abroad or doing whatever they do but of the business of getting there in the first place. We are hearing that the Government are working hard and that it is a priority, but is there a timeline? For many of those people, that matters.
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I thank the right reverend Prelate for his comments. The backdrop to what we are dealing with is a failing apprenticeship levy for creative industries. The number of students studying music at A-level is down by 45%, which indicates clearly the urgency of this issue. I cannot give him a specific timeline at the moment. Also coming from the great city of Leeds, I know his great commitment in this area and the joint work that has been done across partners in this space. We understand that this issue is urgent, and we are addressing it accordingly.