YOUNG carers across Somerset have been left feeling a little more optimistic this week after Somerset County Council announced it would was reconsidering cuts to the Young Carers Service.

A proposal to hold off making any decisions affecting the service’s budget for a year will be put before the full council tomorrow (Wednesday).

The move will allow the council more time to consult with young carers and their families.

John Osman, cabinet member, said: “I’m pleased to announce that following my discussions with young carers over the past few days and weeks, we have listened to what they have said and we want to take pause and take stock.

“I want to work closely with the young carers, their families and supporters to shape a service that will meet their needs whilst still allowing us to balance the budget.”

Julie Jones, whose 16-year-old daughter Abigail Carpenter is a young carer, said: “It’s very welcome news but we’re obviously still going to be quite cautious. There’s quite a lot to be done in the year we have left.

“I welcome the change and that they have given a year for things to be looked at. I hope we come out at the end of it all with something that works well for everyone. I’m glad to see that they’re taking their time with this. So many people don’t realise what these cuts would mean.”

The council had previously proposed halving its funding of the Somerset Young Carers Project, which supports young people who have caring responsibilities across the county.