The Scottish government says it is already providing a range of support after campaigners called for another cash payment for family carers shouldering more of a burden due to covid-19.

It follows a survey revealing nine in ten unpaid carers are still providing extra support six months on from the start of the pandemic.

There are estimated to be around 800,000 people caring for a family member, friend or neighbour in Scotland, including 29,000 under the age of 16.

In June, carers received an additional coronavirus supplement of £230 on top of the £67-a-week Carers’ Allowance payment.

Now Carers Scotland is calling for another top-up in December, as their research shows 87% of unpaid carers are still providing more support than before the lockdown.

Nearly three quarters of the more than 700 people surveyed said they worried about they will cope if further restrictions are brought in.

The survey took place in September, before the latest round of virus curbs limiting social activities were brought in.

Previous research by the charity in April showed the majority of unpaid carers immediately took on more care for their older, disabled or seriously ill relatives through the lockdown.

Nearly half said they were picking up the slack because local services had closed or been reduced “significantly”.

Last week Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman wrote to local authorities and health and social care partnerships urging them to reopen ‘vital’ daytime support.

New guidance on reopening of day services was issued at the end of August, after many were closed due to the pandemic.

However charity Camphill, which offers support for people with learning disabilities, subsequently warned a lack of clarity over funding and confusion over the guidance was hindering the ability of services to open their doors again.

The Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year by the Scottish government in addition to the UK government Carer’s Allowance, which can be claimed by those spending at least 35 hours a week on unpaid care.

However the vast majority of Scotland’s 800,000 carers are left “out of pocket” because they do not qualify for the DWP benefit or the Scottish government’s top-up.

Carers Scotland Director Simon Hodgson says too many carers are struggling:

“The pandemic has placed intolerable pressure on carers in Scotland, who are caring round the clock for loved ones with little or no outside support. They are worn out.

“Carers are desperately worried about how they will manage over the winter and in the face of further lockdowns and tightening of restrictions.

“Our research shows that carers are breaking down, struggling without a break for months on end.

“It is vital that essential support such as day services and short breaks are reinstated safely and as soon as possible.”

The Scottish government said it was already providing PPE, advice and financial support to carers.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We welcome the report and the timely insights into many carers’ lives.

"The Scottish government absolutely values the support provided by Scotland’s unpaid carers – including the thousands who are providing support for family and friends for the first time during the pandemic.

“We recognise that the pandemic has been incredibly difficult for both those receiving and providing social care, and are in regular touch with carer representatives, including Carers Scotland, to make sure we understand carers’ concerns and can act accordingly.

“We note that several of the report’s recommendations for other parts of the UK reflect the approach Scotland is already taking, including on Carer’s Allowance, PPE access, respite admissions, contingency planning, carer information and advice.”

 

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