Assembly backs principle of carers' rights legislation

4.14.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jul 2007

The Assembly today unanimously voted in favour of improving carers' rights, backing a Welsh Liberal Democrat call for legislation.

In the final motion before summer recess, the party received support from all parties on the principle of legislating to improve carers' rights.

The party had put forward its own proposals for the legislation - to include the right to respite care and the right to information - but the new Plaid-Labour government was unwilling to back those precise plans today.

Speaking after the debate, Jenny Randerson AM, the party's health spokesperson said:

"Improving the lot of carers is a priority for the Welsh Liberal Democrats. I'm glad that there is now an Assembly commitment to use our new powers to do just that.

"We will play a full part in taking forward our proposals to improve carers' rights in acting upon that commitment.

"It is disappointing that the government couldn't back our detailed proposals today. There was a real chance to back a fairer deal and get to work on implementing that fairer deal as soon as possible. We will now have to wait longer, but at least we taken the first step in committing to legislation.

"Legislation to improve carers is something that Plaid and Labour have committed themselves to in the One Wales agreement - something that was missing from their manifestos. I welcome that partial conversion to Welsh Lib Dem policy and urge the government to look again at our proposals."

Diwedd/Ends.

Release/Rhyddhau: Immediate

Contact/Cyswllt: Dewi Knight 029 20 82 1809