Calls For Powers To Help Carers

The SNP is calling for Westminster to devolve the powers needed to support carers, ahead of a Holyrood debate.

The Scotland bill in its current form defines a carer as over 16 and not in full time education or employment, meaning those who don't fit that description could miss out on benefits like carers' allowance.

In addition to this, the roll out of Personal Independence Payments will impact carers currently receiving Carers Allowance and Disability Living Allowance – with some expected not to be eligible for any support at all under the new system.

There are nearly 760,000 carers in Scotland, including 42,500 in Fife. SNP MSP Joan McAlpine said:
 
"Carers play such a vital role in looking after loved ones – and we owe them a massive debt of gratitude.
 
"The Scotland Bill in its current form falls far short of the powers Scotland needs to thrive – and fails to meet even the powers set out in the Smith Commission. It also appears to restrict how the Scottish Government can support carers – by defining them as over 16 and not in full time education or employment. This could put obstacles in the way of the Scottish Government being able to mitigate the impact of the roll out of Personal Independence Payments.
 
"Scotland’s carers can’t afford Tory cuts to their support – we need full powers over social security in Scotland to allow us to protect, support and empower people who need help, rather than pushing them into poverty with punitive cuts and sanctions as the Tories are continuing to do."

Scottish Labour Sport and Health Inequalities Spokesperson Rhoda Grant MSP said:
 
"Scottish Labour is committed to upholding carers’ rights and ensuring that the best possible support is available to them across the country. The Carers Bill is an opportunity to transform the lives of carers across Scotland.
 
"In Scotland today carers face a postcode lottery in terms of the support they can access. That is why Scottish Labour will amend the Carers Bill to beef up the powers of the Care Inspectorate."