SNP MPs have today pledged their support for Carers Week, and called on the UK Government to match Scotland’s ambition in supporting all carers.
The call comes after the Scottish Government announced an additional £750,000 investment to help people take a break from caring roles.
The First Minister also pledged that in the first 100 days of returning to government after the election, the Scottish Government would lay legislation to give another double payment to those receiving Carers Allowance Supplement this year and begin the consultation on legislating for a National Care Service in Scotland.
The SNP say this is in stark contrast to the UK Government, who did not include social care reform in the Queen’s Speech. The SNP’s health spokesperson, Philippa Whitford, said: “Supporting unpaid carers has been a priority for the SNP both before and during the pandemic.
“I am pleased to, once again, pledge my support for Carers Week and recognise the vital paid and unpaid work they do in our communities in what can often be 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 their hard work.
“It also highlights once again that there are hundreds of thousands of unpaid carers across Scotland – including some under the age of 18.
“Many have grown into the role so slowly they do not even recognise themselves as carers but should be encouraged to come forward and access the financial and practical support available across Scotland.”
She continued: “Our efforts to make caring and all carers visible should not be limited to this one week, nor should it be limited to recognition. Carers want to be supported in their roles.
“That’s why the SNP Scottish Government brought in the Carers Act, the Carers Allowance Supplement and the Young Carers Grant.
“It has pledged to pay a double payment to those receiving Carers Allowance, pay additional funds to those looking after more than one disabled person, provide vouchers for short breaks to carers to and replace the current Carer’s Allowance with Carer’s Assistance which will better suit the needs of those in Scotland.
“It is also why, after the pandemic, the SNP Scottish Government plan to develop a National Care Service with Scotland-wide standards on service quality, training and pay for professional social care staff.
“At Westminster, SNP MPs will continue to lead the way in supporting carers in Scotland. We will continue to press the UK Government to match the SNP’s ambition on making life better for carers. And we will always do all that we can to support carers in our communities across Scotland."
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