Nicola Sturgeon announces more support for young carers

Carers' Allowance - gdsteam

Young people who care for a family member are to be offered more cash support, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The support package will include a grant of £300 a year and free bus travel for 16 to 18 year olds who do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance but spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone.

The initiative is in addition to an increase in carer’s allowance to the level of other benefits and other support contained in the 2016 Carers Act.

The act, which will come into effect in April, will place a duty on councils to identify and support young carers.

Sturgeon said: “Young carers make an invaluable contribution to society. The additional grant and free bus travel, along with new legislation and our ambitious changes to the social security system, will help ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Meg Wright, Director of Carers Trust Scotland said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that young carers make across Scotland. Many young carers have difficulty participating in the normal activities their peers can enjoy.

“The Young Carer Grant will help young carers to pursue more of their aspirations and reduce social isolation through having the means to travel more widely.”

Greens MSP Alison Johnstone said government had “listened to the Greens” in introducing the scheme.

“While the grant and entitlements won’t fully compensate young carers for the incredible support they give, they should go some way to giving young people with caring responsibilities the same opportunities in life as their peers,” she said.

“It’s welcome by Greens and, I’m sure, the 49,000 young carers in Scotland.”