1,770 unpaid carers across Dumbarton, Clydebank and the Vale of Leven have benefited from the SNP Scottish Government Carer’s Allowance Supplement since it was introduced in September 2018.
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement – unique in the UK – is an extra payment introduced by the Scottish Government for people in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland who get Carer’s Allowance. It increases the Carer’s Allowance by 13 per cent and is an investment of more than £30 million a year to support unpaid carers in Scotland.
The Scottish Government awarded a double-payment of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement to recognise the extra burden the pandemic has placed on unpaid carers. The additional payment meant that carers in received up to £462.80 in December 2021 – the second time a double payment has been made since being introduced.
Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has welcomed the SNP Scottish Government’s additional payments which mean that eligible carers in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland received up to £694.20 more in support last year than carers in the rest of the UK.
Commenting, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“Carers have been hit particularly hard throughout the pandemic so I’m glad the SNP Scottish Government chose to address this by introducing an additional Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment which has helped support 1,770 carers in West Dunbartonshire.
“The SNP’s commitment to help improve the lives of carers is an incredibly important one. Carers make an immense contribution to the health and wellbeing of loved ones and it is essential that they have the support they need to provide care and have a fulfilling life.
“The Carer’s Allowance Supplement was the first payment the Scottish Government introduced when establishing Scotland’s new social security system in 2018. In total, £188 million has been paid to carers since its launch and it is making a huge difference to carers across Dumbarton, Clydebank and the Vale of Leven.
“We are using the powers we have in Scotland to build a social security system in Scotland centred on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect but that is set against a cruel system at Westminster which is cutting support at a time when those on the lowest incomes need it most. That is why the people of Scotland must have the choice to choose a different path which gives Scotland full powers over social security, so we can provide for those that need it most.”
Further information on eligibility for Scotland’s Carer Allowance Supplement is available here: www.mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement
