A new annual payment could soon offer extra financial support to unpaid carers across Scotland.
Marie McNair, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, has welcomed the proposed Carer Additional Person Payment, which would provide up to £520 per year to unpaid carers who look after more than one person.
The payment is expected to benefit around 18,000 carers across Scotland and is part of the Scottish Government’s new carer support benefit package.
Other measures include extending the young carer grant to 19-year-olds, increasing access to carer support following the death of the cared-for person, and softening the rules regarding breaks in caring responsibilities.
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Ms McNair said: “Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution in communities across Clydebank and Milngavie, supporting family, friends and neighbours with dedication and love.
“The SNP is once again showing it recognises that contribution by putting money directly into the pockets of those caring for more than one person.
“This new payment, alongside the existing carer support payment and carer supplement, will provide vital help at a time when so many carers are juggling even more financial pressures with the demands of looking after loved ones because of Labour’s austerity measures and cost of living crisis.
“This is another clear example of the SNP doing everything we can with the powers we have to deliver a fairer social security system for Scotland.”
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