MP's call to back bid to give unpaid carers in Fife more cash

Kirkcaldy’s MP has called for support for a proposal that would benefit unpaid carers across Fife

Neale Hanvey wants MSPs to back the Scottish Government’s plan to invest an additional £19.2m in the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

This is in recognition of the additional pressure that carers are under as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Under the plans, over 6000 eligible carers across Fife will get an extra £230.10 through a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June, but only if the Scottish Parliament approves the proposed £19.2m investment.

The proposals are part of the next emergency coronavirus legislation.

As with the current supplement, eligible carers will not need to do anything to get this extra payment as it will be paid automatically to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

This would mean that carers receive an additional £690.30 this year on top of their Carer’s Allowance and any other income. This supplement is not paid in the rest of the UK.

Mr Hanvey said: “This is a really positive proposal from the Scottish Government and one that would benefit many unpaid carers in the constituency.

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“These are people who sadly face social isolation and financial hardship at the best of times as they support family and friends. In these difficult times, carers are facing serious challenges in providing the normal levels of care and support.

“I urge the Scottish Parliament to get behind the Government’s proposals and deliver for carers in my constituency and across the rest of Fife and beyond.”

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