MSP Gillian Martin encourages carers to put views forward on new payment plan
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin is encouraging carers in the north-east to make their views known on plans to improve support for Scotland’s community of unpaid carers through the introduction of a new benefit.
Under Scottish Government proposals, Scottish Carer’s Assistance will replace Carer’s Allowance, currently delivered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), and be delivered by Social Security Scotland.
It will support more than 80,000 people who provide 35 hours per week or more of care to those receiving certain disability benefits, and an additional payment of more than £500 a year will be made to those who care for more than one person.
It is estimated by Carers UK that the value of the support provided by unpaid carers in Scotland is £10.8billion each year, with 69 percent of current Carer’s Allowance recipients women.
In August 2021 there were around 81,400 carers in Scotland in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
A consultation published today outlines proposals aimed at improving the service that carers receive, including increased financial support and links to wider support in areas such as social care, employability, education and bereavement.
It also highlights how support could be expanded once those already in receipt of Carer’s Allowance have been transferred from DWP to Social Security Scotland.
Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “The work of carers in the community is often unseen but it plays a significant role in the health and wellbeing of people who need it most.
“While caring for a loved one can be incredibly positive, it can also present many challenges, which is why support for carers must be delivered in both a compassionate and considerate way.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to give their views on the plans and their thoughts on how improvements could help address both inequality and poverty.”
