Closes 20 May 2022
Closes 22 May 2022
Closes 22 May 2022
Closes 24 May 2022
Closes 24 May 2022
Closed 11 May 2022
Closed 29 April 2022
Closed 27 April 2022
Closed 24 April 2022
Closed 22 April 2022
Here are some of the issues we have consulted on and their outcomes. See all outcomes
Essex County Council recognises the importance of supporting unpaid carers in Essex and our aim is that “We will help those carers of all ages whose caring duties are impacting most on their wellbeing by achieving a step change in the advice, guidance and support we provide to support wellbeing and independence, and by targeting it at those who need it most” [Everyone’s Essex, 2021-25].
To ensure ECC can meet this objective, research and engagement has been carried out with carers in Essex and those who support them, to understand their lived experiences and gather their views. Six commitments to carers were then co-produced, and ECC ran a consultation to seek views and feedback on these.
The consultation ran from 14th February to 13th March 2022, and was promoted via the ECC website, social media, and direct with a number of carers organisations and community groups. A number of events were also held virtually and in-person which provided opportunity to promote the consultation.
The consultation received a total of 90 responses. This included 2 paper copies and 5 Easy Read responses.
Level of agreement with each of the commitments was high:
1) Carers can easily access information and support when they need it and early into their caring role
At least 93% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment.
2) Develop professional practice and processes to improve identification of and support to carers
At least 93% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment.
3) Improve transitions for carers as they move through specific phases or events in their caring role
At least 91% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment.
4) Carers will have increased opportunity to access good quality support, including short breaks
At least 89% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment.
5) Carers’ needs and rights will be understood and recognised across Essex communities
At least 89% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment.
6) Carers will be the experts that influence and be involved in the decisions that are intended to improve support & wellbeing
At least 91% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment.
Free text comments indicate that while there is strong support for the proposed aims, carers would like more detail as to how they will be achieved and would like to see tangible action taken. Many commented that support is difficult to find and access, with some currently experiencing a lack of support, and there appears to be some level of scepticism around how positive changes will be made.
All feedback and comments received through the consultation process have been reviewed and analysed, and will be used to inform the final Essex Carers All-Age Strategy 2022-26, due to be launched in April 2022.
For more detail, please download a copy of the consultation report.
Essex County Council carried out a consultation from November 2021-January 2022, seeking views from Essex residents, library service users and organisations about the new draft plan for the future of library services.
The plan set out high-level aims for the service and areas of focus for the next four years:
People were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with the sub-areas of each aim. They were also given the opportunity to provide comments on each of the three high-level aims.
2,213 responses were received to the consultation - 2,185 from individuals and 28 responses from organisations. The analysis showed good support for the proposals in the Plan, with many showing strong agreement.
Agreement with aim one: Library Service and Literacy
Agreement with aim two: Communications and Infrastructure
Agreement with aim three: Supporting Communities and Levelling Up
All feedback and comments received in response to the consultation have been reviewed and analysed by an independent organisation, and are now being used to inform an updated plan for library services.
The final plan is expected to be published in April 2022.
For more information and a full breakdown of consultation responses, please view reports below.
Scrutiny Committee meeting papers related to this consultation are available here.
UPDATE 20th April 2022
The final version of the new plan for libraries has now been launched and is available below:
During November-December 2021 Essex County Council ran engagement surveys for both adult carers (18+) and young carers (aged 8-18) within Essex.
The survey asked about experiences of caring for someone and what things carers feel are important to support them. Focus groups were also carried out with carers in a number of locations across Essex.
388 responses were received for the adult’s survey, and 72 for the young carers survey.
To see key findings from survey responses, please see our report.
There is also a report highlighting key themes from the focus groups.
All of the insight shared will be used to inform the development of a new all-age carers strategy for Essex which will be consulted on in early 2022.