I was delighted to open our Carers’ Forum today and to spend time listening to the issues and concerns raised by unpaid carers in Derby. There are so many moving personal stories. Now we move on to trying to work with carers to improve the support they receive.

Stating It Like It Is

At July’s Full Council meeting, I made a statement outlining the difficulties Derby and other local authorities are facing in delivering social care. Demand is increasing, and inflation and the cost of living crisis have hit the care sector hard. I have invited the Minister for Social Care, and the Labour Shadow Minister, to Derby to see for themselves the realities on the ground. We urgently need a national strategy for social care, and a clearer understanding of what Councils, families and individuals can expect. The current system is at breaking point.

Good turnout in Darley Abbey to protest against the Conservative Council’s plans to cut the 17A service through the village.

The proposal to cut the subsidy is uncaring as it will leave many elderly and infirm residents stranded and it is short-sighted as we should be promoting public transport, not cutting it.

Martin Repton stood alongside one resident who was with him defending the service on a similar protest 33 years ago! We will do everything possible to get the Conservatives to see sense this time.