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Carer's Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill

Letter from the Minister for Social Security and Local Government, 10 August 2021

Dear Neil

Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill

Thank you for letter and invitation to give evidence on the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill (“the Bill”). 

As noted in my letter of 16 June 2021, the Scottish Government is committed to supporting unpaid carers. We want to protect their health and wellbeing so they can continue to care if they wish to and have a life of their own alongside caring. We invest more than £350 million a year in supporting carers through Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and the Young Carer Grant.

We introduced the Carer's Allowance Supplement in September 2018 and it has subsequently paid out £129 million to more than 113,000 carers since its launch. The Payment is made twice a year in June and December and the current value is £231.40.

We recognise the added pressures that carers have had to deal with as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which is why we delivered an additional payment in 2020 and plan to do so again this year. Your support of the expedited timetable for the Bill is much appreciated as it is critical to ensuring this further financial support is provided to eligible carers in December 2021. 

Please find attached (Annex A) the further information requested in your letter. I look forward to giving evidence to the Committee on 2 September 2021. Prior to this, my officials and I would be happy provide any further information that Members might require to aid the Committee’s consideration and scrutiny of the Bill.

Best regards

BEN MACPHERSON

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