UNPAID carers across Scotland will have their next payment doubled after MSPs backed Scottish Government plans.
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill today passed its third and final stage in the Scottish Parliament, meaning unpaid carers across the country will have their payment doubled to £462.80.
The SNP say the payment will provide support for unpaid carers who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Commenting, SNP MSP Marie McNair said: “Unpaid carers across Scotland have had an incredibly difficult time during the pandemic and this will be much needed funds at a time when unpaid carers are facing a squeeze on the cost of living with skyrocketing energy bills and increased food bills.
“Therefore, it is right that the SNP Scottish Government recognise that contribution by doubling the Carers Allowance Supplement again and provide a much-needed lifeline for thousands of unpaid carers. This represents an overall investment in carers allowance supplement of £120 million last year and this.”
This will be the second time the payment has been doubled – the first time being in June 2020.
McNair went on: “The passing of this bill demonstrates again how we are building a social security system in Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect. Contrast that with the system at Westminster which has cut support at a time when those on the lowest incomes need it most.
“That is why the people of Scotland should have the choice to choose a different path in a referendum for recovery to give Scotland full powers over social security, so we can provide for those that need it most.”
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