Cash for unpaid carers is on SNP agenda

Nicola Sturgeon is promising additional cash help for unpaid carers if the SNP is reelected to power.

The first minister and SNP leader hailed the “immense contribution” made by unpaid carers, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

The party is now proposing to make a double payment of the Carers Allowance Supplement this year – worth £460 – in recognition of the additional burden placed on those who look after a loved one.

Ms Sturgeon also said if re-elected to government, the SNP would then seek to introduce a new Carers Assistance payment, to replace the current Carers Allowance.

This would pay out a further £10 a week to those who are caring for more than one disabled person and would also extend the amount of time that this can be claimed for after the death of someone, from eight weeks to 12 weeks.

The SNP also plans to replace the current UK winter fuel payment with a new winter heating payment for older Scots – which would be paid at the same rate and not means tested – helping about one million households a year.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Unpaid carers make an immense contribution to the health and wellbeing of loved ones, probably never more so than the last 12 months.

“So, we will make another double payment this year of Carers Allowance Supplement, before replacing the Carers Allowance with an improved Carers Assistance Payment.

“We’ll also replace the UK Government’s unreliable £25 Cold Weather Payment, which only pays out if in certain weather conditions, with a £50 annual payment.”