Samís Bill for carers succeeds

Two crucial hurdles have been overcome in the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill, dubbed Samís Bill, to allow it to pass to the Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons on 14 May 2004.

This brings carers nearer to new rights to opportunities for work, education and life-long learning.

Introduced by Dr Hywel Francis, MP for Aberavon, who drew second place in Decemberís ballot, the Private Memberís Bill has been named ëSamís Billí in memory of his disabled son whom he and his wife, Mair, cared for until he died
at the age of 16.

A resolution on the financial aspects of the Bill was successfully debated on
4 March and yesterday (10 March) the Bill was examined Clause by Clause by a Standing committee in the House. This latter stage was a vital turning point as at the Billís Second Reading, Government had indicated that there were aspects of the Bill that they were unable to support in its current form because of variance with existing legislation.

Fresh Clauses had to be submitted which would, in effect:
Ensure that work, life-long learning and leisure are considered when a carer is assessed;
Would give local authorities new powers to enlist the help of housing, health, education and other local authorities in providing support to carers; and
Would ensure that carers are informed of their rights.

The Committee also agreed to remove two clauses which would place duties on local authorities to plan for information for carers, and a very important duty on health bodies to promote the health and welfare of carers. Instead, the Minister for Carers, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, tabled draft Directions which aimed to place some of these principles into legislation.

ìWe are delighted that the Bill has made such good progress against huge odds,î says Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK. ìalthough we are disappointed that it has not been possible to place a duty on local authorities to promote equality of opportunity for carers. However, the Governmentís amendments and the new Directions retain many of the principles of the Bill which carers say are so vital to them ñ information, cross-government working, and carerí assessments which will consider opportunities for work, education and leisure for the carer.î

Dr Hywel Francis, said after yesterdayís victory, ìI would characterise this Bill as a journey of hope for carers. What is most gratifying is that, as we have progressed, it has become increasingly evident that we have all been travelling in the same direction.î

In expressing his desire to see the Bill reach the statute books, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, said that he hoped he would see Samís Bill become Samís Act.

The campaign is being supported by British Gas, a forerunner in supporting carers and providing positive employment policies to help them combine work with care.