Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Revenues, Benefits and Leisure and the Leisure Services Manager on the unpaid Carers- Access to Leisure.

Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of Revenues, Benefits and Leisure and the Leisure Services Manager on the Access to Leisure for Unpaid Carers.

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvements outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

·         Unpaid carers played an essential role in our community, providing invaluable support to family members, friends, and loved ones who required care due to age, illness, or disability. Their dedication often went unnoticed, yet their contributions were estimated to save billions of pounds annually in social care costs. Despite their selflessness, many unpaid carers faced financial strain, social isolation, and challenges in maintaining their physical and mental well-being. It was vital that the Council recognised their efforts and explored ways to support them.

·         The report presented a pilot scheme aimed at addressing one critical area of support—access to leisure facilities. Recognising the positive impact of exercise and social engagement on well-being, this initiative offered discounted leisure memberships to our local carers and free access for young carers. By easing financial barriers and providing opportunities for relaxation and respite, the Council hoped to enhance carers’ overall health and quality of life. This initiative built upon the success of a previous trial and aligned with the Council’s broader commitment to community well-being and inclusivity.

·         The report outlined the details of this proposed pilot, including eligibility criteria, financial considerations, and evaluation methods. It sought Cabinet approval to proceed with this initiative, not only to support unpaid carers in Mid Devon but also to potentially serve as a model for other district councils across Devon. By demonstrating the benefits of improved leisure access for carers, this trial had the potential to inform future countywide strategies and encourage broader adoption of similar schemes. By investing in carers’ well-being through this initiative, the Council took an important step towards building a more inclusive and supportive community, both locally and across the wider region.

Discussion took place with regard to:

·         The Council were fortunate that Cllr F Letch (Chair of the Council) had done a lot of work with the Carers Group in Devon and in particular there was a lot of discussion about young carers.

·         It should be noted that the Council had already given free access to leisure centres to Care Leavers.

·         Hopefully this initiative would encourage more people and in particular young carers to come forward and register as young carers and so take advantage of the scheme.

·         The Council was working quite closely with Devon County Council and the Care Ambassadors as well to encourage carers to step away from their responsibilities occasionally and to give them the confidence and the permission to join the sports and leisure facilities as something for themselves.

·         The beneficial nature of the networking that may be a further benefit to carers from this initiative.

·         The Council was meeting with Devon Carers to agree the best means of promoting this initiative widely to all carers.

 RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)    The pilot as detailed within this report be APPROVED.

b)   That adult carers received a 25% discount on membership, or a 20% discount on casual sessions. Additionally, carers under the age of 18 would be granted free access to the facilities be APPROVED;

c)    Delegation to the Deputy Chief Executive (s151) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement to make any minor changes as required to enable the pilot to proceed be APPROVED.

(Proposed by Cllr J Wright and seconded by Cllr J Lock)

Reason for Decision:

The proposed pilot project to support unpaid carers by providing access to leisure services was likely to have several positive equalities impacts. However, it was essential to consider potential disparities and ensure that the project was inclusive and accessible to all carers.

Note * Report previously circulated.