Carers' consultation launched

22nd January 2014

New plans to help carers and young carers.

Carers and young carers are being asked for their views on specific legislation to promote, defend and extend their rights.

The widespread consultation marks a significant step forward in recognising and addressing the needs of unpaid adult carers and young carers across Scotland who care for their families, friends and neighbours.

The proposed legislation, which was announced by the First Minister in October, aims to ensure that carers are further supported and are fully involved in decisions affecting their lives and those they care for.

Announcing the consultation, Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:“There are now more people than ever before who are caring intensively, for more hours each week. This means that they are facing considerable challenges.

“We have put significant effort into supporting carers and young carers over the past few years. But this success cannot take away from the fact that many carers are experiencing considerable stress and anxiety and are not receiving the support they deserve.

“This consultation seeks views on our proposals for new legislation to improve outcomes for carers and young carers. I am pleased that we have this opportunity to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, especially carers and young carers themselves, about future developments.

“In taking forward these proposals, I also look forward to the input and comment from other key stakeholders, including local authorities, health boards and the third sector who are already offering carers a lot of help and support. We need the collective insights, knowledge and wisdom to ensure that our proposals for legislation are the best they can be.”

Director of Carers Scotland Simon Hodgson said:"We welcome this opportunity to feedback to the Scottish Government through the consultation and influence the future for carers in Scotland. Most people will be carers at some point in their lives and it is vital that the crucial role they play in caring for those nearest and dearest to them is recognised.”

Shared Care Scotland Chief Executive Don Williamson said:“The Scottish Government has worked together with a range of interests to promote the vital contribution made by carers in Scotland, and to increase the levels of support available to help carers with their caring role.

“While this has made a real difference in many areas, we all appreciate that more must be done to ensure carers can rely on consistent availability of support across the country. Through this consultation we have the opportunity to ensure that carers are supported, and protected, through legislation.”

The Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance has also welcomed the consultation. Co-ordinator Louise Morgan said:

“The carers' legislation will provide an opportunity to ensure that the specific needs of young carers and young adult carers are addressed through legislation.

“We will ensure through our network that young carers throughout Scotland will have the chance to have their say through the consultation, using their experiences to shape the future for young carers in Scotland.”

The Scottish Government has made a significant investment amounting to over £112 million between 2007 and 2015 in supporting carers and young carers.

It is estimated there are more than 657,000 unpaid adult carers and up to 100,000 young carers in Scotland and many more who care who don’t identify themselves as carers.

This consultation can be viewed online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/01/4757

The consultation closes on April 16, 2014.