Deputy First
Minister Nicola Sturgeon today met carers from across the country at a
gathering in Glasgow to discuss how an independent Scotland could deliver
stronger support.
Ms Sturgeon set
out the progress made by the Scottish Government in improving carers’
rights and listen to views on how to further improve the support and services
available. She also explained how independence will give Scotland the full
range of powers it needs to genuinely transform the landscape for carers and
their families.
Ms Sturgeon
said:
“Carers play
such a vital role in our families, our communities and our society – and
they must be properly supported. I want to hear about the things that matter to
carers and the issues they face day in day out.
“I’m
proud of the work we’ve done to improve support for carers and to
recognise the invaluable contribution they make to society. But there is more
that we can do and the full powers of independence would allow us to go much
further to improve the situation for carers and for those they care
for.
“With full
control over the economy and our tax and benefits system we could end unfair
policies like the bedroom tax, which has affected many carers, and instead
create a welfare system that values social justice and fairness. The rights of
carers and cared for people would be protected. We would create an economy
where people are able to strike the right balance between paid work and caring
for their loved ones."
The Scottish
Government has invested over £112 million in supporting carers and their
families since 2007. A consultation has just been completed ahead of new
legislation to improve carers’ rights and provide further
support.
Ms Sturgeon
continued:
“Many of the
carers I meet experience real challenges in their day-to-day lives. They
sometimes feel the system is working against them, and that’s something
that we want to change.
“Within
existing devolved powers we have taken significant steps - legislation like the
Self-directed Support Act which has now commenced, and our planned Carers Bill;
initiatives like the Short Breaks Fund and our new Caring for Carers Employers
Kitemark.
“In
September we have the opportunity to build a better country underlining our
commitment to fairness and using the full powers of independence to provide
carers with the support they need and deserve.”
Notes To
Editors
Measures
introduced by the Scottish Government to improve the lives of carers and those
they care for include:
- The
Social Care (Self-directed Support) Act, allowing carers to be supported in
their own right at the discretion of local authorities.
- Integration of health and social care, providing a more
joined up system which will be easier for carers to negotiate.
- £14
million invested in the Short Breaks Fund from 2007 to 2015, benefiting more
than 25,000 carers.
- Planned
introduction of the Caring for Carers Employers Kitemark, to recognise
employers who give the support and flexibility which carers need.
- The
establishment of an annual Carers Parliament, where carers can raise issues and
build networks.
- The
Children and Young People Act, giving each child with a wellbeing need a
Child’s Plan to clearly set out their needs, and a named person to help
parent-carers to navigate the system.
- The
establishment of a Scottish Independent Living Fund, with an extra £5.5
million funding to help people live independent lives.