Carers over 80: Support

Debate between Lord Prior of Brampton and Baroness Manzoor

Monday 13th June 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

Yes, we are talking about not just people who are registered carers but in particular where older people are looking after each other reciprocally, whether that is within marriage or a long-term partnership. Again, you cannot monetise something like that. It is part of a loving relationship. One of the tragedies in this is that it can sometimes change that caring relationship of husband and wife to one of a carer and a cared-for person, which can have a quite difficult psychological impact on individuals.

[Baroness Manzoor]

My Lords, do the Government have any plans to provide respite care for carers, particularly where there are significant disabilities involved with the person being cared for?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

Respite care is hugely important. I think that the better care fund provides about £130 million a year for respite care. Giving people time out is hugely important.

Local Authorities: Public Health Budget

Debate between Lord Prior of Brampton and Baroness Manzoor

Wednesday 15th July 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

The noble Lord may be interested to know that the McKinsey institute assessed that the cost of obesity to the British economy was some £46 billion. I am under no illusion about the importance of proper prevention.

[Baroness Manzoor (LD)]

My Lords, health inequalities continue the gap in access to services and equity in our health services. The gap remains the same and has not become narrower between various socioeconomic groups, 20 years on. That means the rich, poor, black and indigenous white population. Exactly what is going to be done with part of the health prevention budget to try to reduce the gap?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

A condition of the grant to local authorities is that they take on the responsibilities that the Secretary of State has under the Health and Social Care Act to reduce inequalities. As statutory bodies, local authorities have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to provide equal opportunities for people with protected characteristics.