On Tuesday, September 30, the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) board agreed that the plans would address a disparity in carer provision for short breaks and replacement care, allowing individuals to receive between £800 and £20,000 worth of support. The HSCP also agreed that current respite staff would merge with the self-directed support team, creating a larger team, which means 52-week service cover while removing the six-month booking window for self-directed care. Commenting on the changes, HSCP Board member Councillor Martin Rooney said: “It’s always really difficult trying to make significant changes like this. READ MORE: I ran 10 marathons in 10 days after poor mental health led to £20k debt“I’m really pleased that we now have a more equitable model that is aligned with the adult carers assessment and support plans, and that has created the capacity to help those carers still awaiting an assessment, and that will mean that carers have support available for 52 weeks of the year. “It’s important to remember that although the new model aims to speed up assessments, reduce waiting times, and improve equity between carers, there is an element of flexibility built in as professional judgements can also be made to increase the amount awarded to meet the specific needs of the carers.