Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has considered research from The University of Manchester advocating for care support packages that target whole households.

We have not made a direct assessment of the potential merits of implementing care support packages for households, rather than for individuals requiring care. However, we recognise the importance of people’s wider support networks for those drawing on care and support.

Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities in England must provide a broad range of high-quality, sustainable care and support services to meet the needs of their local populations, including carers and those who draw on care.

Local authorities are required to take a holistic approach when carrying out a needs assessment, considering an individual's needs, circumstances, and the outcomes they wish to achieve. Where family members or friends are involved, the assessment must take into account the extent to which they are willing and able to provide support. In addition, where a carer appears to have needs for support and may be eligible for help, the local authority is required to carry out a Carer’s Assessment to determine the appropriate support.

We also welcome the use of models such as family group conferencing in places like Camden, which put both individuals and their families and friends at the heart of the decision making.