Neath Port Talbot Council is asking people for their views on proposed changes to its Adult Services Respite Allocation Policy.

The proposed policy has been developed to provide a fair and transparent approach to delivering respite services to unpaid carers of adults living in Neath Port Talbot with an assessed social care need.

Initially, assessments will be undertaken with all unpaid carers to identify whether they qualify for respite services. This will ensure everybody entitled receives their own individual carer’s assessment in line with the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014.

Following this, carers will be allocated with the required amount of respite support needed in proportion to their individual needs. This will mean the removal of the three current allocation bands (16, up to 36, or up to 56 nights per year) which unpaid carers are placed into.

Overnight accommodation based respite is proposed to be provided at Plas Bryn Rhosyn (for older people), Gnoll Nursing Home (for nursing respite), and Trem Y Mor (for people with complex needs including learning disabilities).

Under the proposed policy, carers will also be offered the opportunity to receive Direct Payments. This is to give carers more choice and control and over how they receive respite through being able to arrange and pay for their own care and support instead of the Council arranging services for them.

The support will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it still meets the identified eligible needs.

Councillor Peter Richards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Neath Port Talbot Council is fully committed to supporting its most vulnerable residents and ensuring unpaid carers have time off and a life outside of caring.

“I would encourage anyone who may be affected by these proposals to have their say during the consultation period. It is important we understand people’s views so that we are fully informed before making any final decisions.”

Responses to the consultations can be made online through the Council’s consultation portal (www.npt.gov.uk/haveyoursay).

Those wanting to respond in writing should address letters to Respite Allocation Policy, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Common Commissioning Unit, Civic Centre, Neath SA11 3QZ, or email ccu@npt.gov.uk.

There are information display giving details of the proposal at Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre and all complex needs day services together with suggestion box where questions, letters and completed feedback forms can be deposited.

The 90-day public consultation started on June 17 and will finish on Sunday, September 15.