Shared Lives Carers

That this House recognises the exceptional work of Shared Lives Carers across the UK, particularly through services such as Shared Lives South West, which supports over 450 people across Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Torbay, and Somerset through long-term placements, respite care, and day support in family settings; acknowledges that Shared Lives offers a person-centred, community-based, and cost-effective alternative to traditional models of residential or institutional care, delivering better outcomes for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, dementia, and older people; notes that the Shared Lives model promotes independence, meaningful relationships, and improved mental health; expresses concern that Shared Lives remains under-utilised due to low public awareness, challenges in recruiting and retaining carers, and inconsistent investment by some local authorities; calls on the Government to fully integrate Shared Lives into the development of a National Care Service; urges the Department of Health and Social Care to provide targeted funding for the national membership body Shared Lives Plus, issue clear guidance to local authorities on the model’s benefits, and commission a national review of fees to ensure Shared Lives Carers are paid fairly for their vital work; and further calls on all hon. Members to support the expansion and recognition of Shared Lives as a vital component of the UK’s adult social care system.