With the publication of new statistics for Carers Assessment uptake, Carers Northern Ireland debates some of the findings.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is consulting on the assessment criteria, weighting and thresholds for the replacement benefit for Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Health Minister Edwin Poots has told carers that they are a key part of his vision of supporting people to live more independently in their own homes, and in their own communities, for longer.

The Rights in Community Care Group (RICC) held a series of seminars in 2011 to broaden the conversation that needs to be had around adult social care in Northern Ireland. The group has just launched a full report from the programme.

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have published the draft Programme for Government, setting out the Executive's commitments and priorities for 2011-2015. The draft programme is out for consultation until 22 February 2012.

A student mentored by Lesley Johnston, Carers Northern Ireland's Advice and Information Officer, has gained the top prize in the 2010/2011 Science Shop Awards.

Health Minister Edwin Poots has published new minimum standards for day care settings. The standards specify the minimum requirements which providers of day care services must meet. They also clarify the level of service that people attending day care can expect to receive.

Carers UK has joined other charities, care providers, health bodies, employers, and unions to sign an open letter to Prime Minister calling for cross-party action on social care reform.

The Compton Review of Health and Social Care has just been published. The report indicates a definite policy shift towards personalisation in Northern Ireland. The carer-specific section is on p68-69, though there are references thoughout. Here we summarise some of the main points for carers and older people. 

Carers Allowance entitlement to be based on both rates of new DLA replacement benefit