The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Wirral Adult Carers Strategy. A report was previously submitted to the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee in July 2022, at which approval was granted to co-produce a new Wirral Adult Carers Strategy and establish a Carers Partnership Board, which will oversee the development of the Carers Strategy.

Resolved – That the final Wirral Adult Carers Strategy 2023-2026 be approved, recognising there will be continuous development with stakeholders, to be overseen by the Carers Partnership Board.

The Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee requested the renewal of a Wirral Adults Carers Strategy to be co-produced and are confident that the final Wirral Adult Carers Strategy provides a good starting point from the co-production events. The Carers Partnership Board will update the strategy as it is developed further and undertake an annual review of progress.

The 2021 Census information on unpaid Carers was expected to be released in January 2023, it is important to include some of the local data before finalising the Strategy, although only partial data has been released so far, the data on the age, gender, geographical location etc. will be included in future refreshed versions once released. The Wirral Adult Carers Strategy is ready for consultation with key stakeholders.

Earlier release of the Wirral Adults Carers Strategy in 2022 was considered, however, with the 2021 Census expected in early 2023. It was felt that it would be premature to release the strategy without including 2021 Census data for comparison on changes to the number of Carers since the 2011 Census.