SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TOPPING UP CARER’S ALLOWANCE
SNP politicians have led the way in signing up to support and celebrate the contribution of carers across Scotland – as the annual Carers Week draws to a close.
All SNP MSPs have signed the Carers Week pledge, which commits MSPs to take carer friendly action, and highlights the tireless work of the estimated 788,000 unpaid carers across Scotland and offering carers any support that they need.
The annual Carers Week event comes on the back of the First Minister confirming at SNP Conference on Saturday that an annual £30 million investment will be made in a Carer’s Allowance Supplement which will be paid from this summer, backdated to April – complementing an existing £135 million package of support. The Scottish Government is also introducing a Young Carer Grant next year, worth £300.
Commenting, SNP MSP Graeme Dey, who is Co-Convener of the Cross Party Group on Carers, said:
“The SNP has never shied away from our commitment to carers and our desire to recognise, tangibly the work they do in our communities, unpaid and what can often be in difficult circumstances.
“Carers Week gives us all an opportunity, as local representatives and as supporters of carers in our communities, the chance to show our appreciation for all that hard work – and to highlight once again the fact that there are up to 788,000 unpaid carers across Scotland, a huge proportion of our population, including many under the age of 18.
“But Carers are looking for more than just recognition. They want to be supported in their roles. That’s why the Carers Act, introduced by this Government, was so positive a move – and now we see further action around the Carer’s Allowance and to support Young Carers.
“Our Carer’s Allowance Supplement is the first devolved benefit to be paid later this year and backdated to April. It brings Carer’s Allowance into line with Jobseeker’s Allowance and will have a positive impact on the lives of qualifying carers across Scotland, helping to make lives that bit easier. Our Young Carer Grant will also give those under 18 an extra £300 a year starting in 2019 as part of a new package of support.
“The SNP group at Holyrood is proud to lead the way in supporting Carers Week – and we will always do all that we can to support carers in our communities across Scotland.”
ENDS
