Additional cash for carers now in place

Carers are set to receive the second payment of the Carers’ Allowance Supplement next week.

The supplement, which is provided twice a year by Social Security Scotland, will be paid out to the majority of carers on December 14.

Social Security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville recently met with a group of carers in Edinburgh.

She said: “We want to make sure their contribution is recognised, which is why we introduced this new supplement, putting an extra £442 in carers pockets this financial year.”

Shona Moyes, 56, is a carer to her 16-year-old son Gregor who has complex physical and learning disabilities.

She said: “I was forced to give up a well-paid job to care for my son. This has been both physically and emotionally demanding and has had a huge impact on the financial wellbeing of my family.”

“For the Scottish Government to recognise this and increase Carer’s Allowance is great news for me and all carers.”