New figures show carers in Clydebank received a share of £378,000 in payments from Social Security Scotland.

The new Carer’s Allowance Supplement meant payments of £221 began in September last year for 1,710 eligible carers in West Dunbartonshire, and a second annual payment was made in December 2018.

More than 77,000 carers across the country received the payment from the Scottish Government.

Figures released by Social Security Scotland show that over two thirds of payments nationwide were made to female carers and nearly one third were made to carers aged between 18 and 39 years.

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The supplement paid by Social Security Scotland raises the Carer’s Allowance to the equivalent current rate of Jobseekers Allowance.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson said: “It’s good to see the crucial service which carers provide being recognised by bringing the income for carers in line with that of jobseekers.

“I am especially concerned about the struggles young carers in my constituency and across Scotland face.

“It is a situation no young person should be in, but the stark reality is that many young people have to endure this vastly different lifestyle to their peers.

“Young carers are so compassionate and self-sacrificing, and I really do commend the work they do.”

The payments are paid twice a year, and are set to rise to £226.20 for 2019/20.

David Wallace, Social Security Scotland chief executive, said: “Our priority is to make sure that people get the right amount of money paid to them, into the right place and at the right time. We were happy to have done this successfully for this first round of payments.

“In addition to making sure that people get the money that they are due, we were delighted with the general feedback on our service.”