Evidence-based planning and delivery of local support for carers : findings and feedback from a survey of local authority carers’ leads in England

This briefing presents the findings of a survey that sought to find out more about how different local authorities collect and use information about their local carer populations: the range of information sources they use to form an evidence base on carers; how they use evidence to understand local need; and how evidence influences their planning and delivery of local carer support. The key findings include: 95% of local authorities reported that they have information gaps around their local carer population and their needs; less than one in ten local authorities (7%) feel very confident that they understand the needs of their local carer population, while only 12% feel very confident that they know how best to support local carers; only half of local authorities think carers are well or fairly well represented in their JSNA, with less than 1 in 5 saying they are well represented; and some local authorities find it a challenge to collect the full range of equalities information for carers.

The survey results demonstrate that there are significant information gaps for local authorities seeking to use evidence to evaluate and improve local support for carers. Carers UK is working to fill these gaps.