§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that benchmarking standards for NHS trusts promote support for carers; and if he will make a statement. [84235]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 2 December 2002]Support for carers is detailed within the Government's priorities for mental health services, as set out in the document "Investment, Expansion and Reform the next 3 years, Priorities and Planning framework 2003–06". In addition, the national service framework for older people sets out a 10-year programme of action to ensure that older people and their carers are always treated with respect, dignity and fairness.
National health service performance ratings, which publish nationally comparable performance indicators on a wide range of NHS services, are made available to NHS trusts to help compare standards among organisations. Performance indicators are being developed to support delivery of the priorities set out in "Investment, Expansion and Reform the next 3 years, Priorities and Planning framework 2003–06".
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§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) carers and (b) young carers of school age there are in (i) the Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside and (iii) Tyne and Wear; and what support is given to (A) carers and (B) young carers of school age. [86452]
§ Jacqui SmithThe information on numbers of carers is not held centrally.
Carers are entitled to an assessment to determine their needs as carers and eligibility for support. The carers grant provides money for local councils to provide short breaks for carers to enable them to continue in their caring role.
Additionally for young carers we are supporting the development of over 100 projects across the country to give carers of school age access to appropriate advice, information and support or leisure.