Denial of funding increase for vulnerable young carers criticised

4.19.22pm GMT Mon 16th Feb 2009

Cllr Judith Brown has opposed the retention of funding intended for young carers

Norfolk County Council was criticised today for approving the retention of extra cash intended for vulnerable young carers.

Liberal Democrat councillor, Judith Brown, who is Trustee of West Norfolk Carers and Chairman of Carers Council for Norfolk, levelled criticism at Council leaders at a meeting today after approval was given to a budget which recommended that a £55,000 funding increase should not be passed on to young carers as originally planned.

Young carers are children and young people who find themselves needing to look after one or both of their parents, often because of an illness, disability or drug/ alcohol problem.

Cllr Brown refused to vote in support of the County Council's budget plans for the year ahead because they included a proposal to 'maintain the current level of carer grant and not increase it in line with funding increase', effectively withholding £55,000 of additional funding that could have been passed on to young carers.

Speaking at the meeting Cllr Brown said:

"I will not be supporting this budget because I have a specific issue with proposed changes to funding for young carers.

"This administration has allowed £55,000 to be taken from the Young Carers budget. I'm sure we're going to be fobbed off and told this money has gone into extended schools and young carers can access it there. BUT young carers can't go to a breakfast club; they can't stay after school for a computer club. In fact, they're lucky to get to school and spend all day there. During this time they may be watching their mobile phone to see if any messages for help come in.

"This money is needed throughout the county to give these young carers a small amount of time away from their responsibilities where they meet with other children of similar circumstances. £55,000 represents about 7% of the total young carers budget and could provide so much more.

"Any councillor here today with any knowledge of young carers should not be supporting this budget."