Plans for a National Care Service in Scotland stall again

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…

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