Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Welcomes Doubling Of Unpaid Carer's Allowance Supplement

Around 4700 unpaid carers in Edinburgh are set to have their Carer’s Allowance Supplement doubled by the SNP Scottish Government.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill passed its third and final stage at Holyrood, meaning unpaid carers in Edinburgh and across Scotland will have their supplement doubled to £462.80.

This is the second time the supplement has been doubled – the first time being in July 2020.

Commenting, Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon MacDonald said:

“Unpaid carers in Edinburgh have had an incredibly difficult time during the pandemic and without their heroic efforts our services would have been under greater strain.

“That is why the SNP Scottish Government has doubled the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, recognising this vital work and the difficulties that these dedicated carers will face as we head into winter.

“Unpaid carers will be facing a squeeze on incomes in the coming months with skyrocketing energy bills and food prices, so the doubling of the carers allowance supplement will provide a vital lifeline for thousands of unpaid carers in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

“The passing of this Bill is another example of how we are building a social security system in Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect. Contrast that with the system at Westminster which has just cut Universal Credit at a time when those on the lowest incomes need it most.

“The people of Scotland must have the choice of a different path in a referendum for recovery to give us the chance to escape Westminster control and gain full powers over social security so we can provide for those that need it most.”