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The follow up report on support for unpaid carers is now available
On 4 March 2026, the Office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales published ‘Are we caring for our carers? Revisited’, a follow-up to their 2024 Own Initiative investigation into how Welsh local authorities identify, assess and support unpaid carers.
The original investigation examined whether 4 local authorities – Caerphilly County Borough Council, Ceredigion County Council, Flintshire County Council and Neath Port Talbot Council – were meeting their statutory duties under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. While examples of good practice were identified, it was found that only a small proportion of carers received assessments of their needs, and many were unaware of their rights or the support available.
The follow-up report reviews progress made by the 4 investigated authorities and summarises responses and data from the remaining 18 local authorities in Wales. It highlights development while identifying areas where further improvement is still required.
The report finds that all 4 investigated authorities have taken positive action in response to the recommendations. Improvements include the development or revision of factsheets explaining the carers’ needs assessment process, what carers can expect, and the role of commissioned services. These materials are now available in Welsh, other languages and Easy Read formats.
Authorities have also updated assessment forms and recording practices to better capture the needs of adult and young carers, improving consistency and quality. Where changes remain outstanding, improvements are being integrated into regional arrangements and new case management systems.
The report also highlights improvements in post-assessment communications and practical support for carers, increased staff training and awareness-raising activity, alongside stronger audit and quality assurance arrangements. Progress has been made in partnership working with health services, including hospital in-reach activity and discharge support initiatives, and in improving the recording of equality data through new IT systems.
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Source: The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, UK
