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Yesterday, the Scottish Parliament passed the Care Reform Bill, and for the first time, unpaid carers in Scotland will have a legal right to breaks from caring.

Along with the other national carer organisations, we have been campaigning for a right to breaks from caring for a number of years.

The passing of the Bill yesterday is a huge step forward for Scotland’s 800,000 unpaid carers – many of whom are running on empty, juggling impossible demands with little or no support.

The introduction of this new right has the potential to be truly life-changing. But we know that rights only matter if they can be realised. Turning this commitment into something carers can actually access will take time, funding, and serious action, especially around investment in suitable replacement care.

We’ll be working closely with the Scottish Government and partners to make sure this right isn’t just on paper, but becomes a reality that gives carers the rest, recognition, and balance they have needed for far too long.

You can read Coalition of Carers In Scotland statement here

https://www.carersnet.org/care-reform-scotland-bill-passed

We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been awarded Carers Trust Scotland Excellence for Carers award – The organisational standard for best practice in delivering services, information and advice to unpaid carers. The award follows a rigorous assessment of our services and is proof that local carers, our partners, stakeholders and commissioners/funders can be confident they are partnering with a dedicated service that proves best practice and sustainability is embedded in our culture and practice.

Information, support and advice for carers on household income and reducing energy bills. Carer Money Matters | Financial support for carers

The Scottish Government has confirmed an increase to the Child Winter Heating Payment, a one-off financial support aimed at helping disabled children and young people cope with seasonal energy costs. The payment will rise to £255.80 for the 2025/26 winter period, reflecting a 1.7% uplift from the previous rate.

During the previous winter season, 37,000 disabled children and young people in Scotland received £235.70 as part of the Child Winter Heating Payment. This year’s payment reflects a 1.7% increase, equivalent to £20.10, bringing the total to £255.80 per eligible person.

Full details here Scotland’s Child Winter Heating Payment Rises to £255.80 for 2025/26

Charity Carers Scotland has welcomed a rise to the earnings limit which will see more unpaid carers eligible to receive Carer Support Payment.

From the 7th of April, unpaid carers who provide at least 35 hours of care each week will be able to earn up to £2,340 more per year in paid employment and remain eligible for the payment.

Carers Scotland says the increase – the largest in 40 years – will provide extra financial security to unpaid carers living on a low income, who will now be able to work the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage.

Full details here Carer support payment extended

Yesterday, the UK Government announced reforms to health and disability benefits. This included some significant changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Many of the proposed changes to PIP are not due to take effect until after April 2026, by which time it’s expected that everyone on PIP in Scotland will have transferred to Adult Disability Payment (ADP).

Scottish Government have stated that they will not be considering similar reforms to the ADP in Scotland.

Although the reforms to PIP may not affect disabled people in Scotland directly, there are still concerns that if the UK Government cuts spending on PIP then the amount of funding provided to the Scottish Government through the block grant adjustment (BGA) falls by a similar proportion.

It is not clear yet how the Scottish Government will address any shortfall in the social security budget for next year.

To find out more about how the proposed changes to PIP may affect those in Scotland: https://www.carersnet.org/disability-benefit-reforms…/

This year the theme is ‘Caring About Equality’ highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, poor mental and physical health. Far too often, carers of all-ages miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role. Get involved in Carers Week 2025, and together let’s work towards an equal society, where carers are truly valued, recognised and supported.

Carers week takes place from 9th to 15th June

Last week, the Minister for Social Care – Maree Todd outlined the next steps for the National Care Service Bill to the Scottish Parliament.

In summary, the plan to introduce a National Care Board and Local Care Boards will no longer go ahead. Instead, the Scottish Government will introduce a new non-statutory advisory board comprising of people with lived experience of accessing care, social care workers, care providers, trade unions, the NHS and local government. This new advisory board will provide guidance on social care improvement in Scotland, but we don’t have any further details about the specific remit of the group or how the board members will be appointed.

Other provisions such as the Right to Breaks for Carers and Anne’s Law will still be included in the amended National Care Service Bill.

Full statement here