Baroness Barker
Main Page: Baroness Barker (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Baroness Jolly
The noble Baroness is right; the report is overdue for publication. I pressed my officials before coming here about when it is likely to be reported and the answer was, “Very, very soon”.
Baroness Barker (LD)
My Lords, can the Minister say what assistance is being given to local authorities to fulfil their duty under the Care Act to provide assessment and independent financial advice to carers?
Baroness Jolly
Yes. That issue came up throughout the passage of the Care Bill. There was a lot of anxiety on behalf of local authorities. The impact assessment has committed extra money for carers’ rights and an additional £69.4 million for 2015-16 through the Better Care Fund, rising to £192.6 million by 2020.