SNP seeks better deal for carers

SNP candidate Angus Brendan MacNeil has said his party will fight for a better deal for carers.

He said the SNP would use its expected influence after the General Election for propose an increase in carer’s allowance and bring it in line with jobseeker’s allowance.

Carers allowance is currently £62 per week, whilst Jobseekers allowance is set at £73.

It said this would see over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland better off by almost £600 a year

Mr MacNeil criticised Labour for making to mention of the Carers Allowance in their manifesto.

SNP seeks better deal for carers

27 April 2015

He said: “The issue of carers is very important across the islands, indeed some of the doors I have knocked during this campaign have been answered by people caring for relatives. I am always impressed by the self-sacrifice and the kindness of such people.

“Across Scotland our 100,000 carers do an invaluable job, but yet they are some of the people who will have been hit hardest by the recession and Westminster austerity.

“Carers are often reliant solely on the social security system for their income because they have to take time out of work to look after others – the same social security system which is under a relentless and sustained attack by this Tory-led government.

“The SNP is determined to support Scotland’s carers - that’s why we are bringing forward legislation to recognise the invaluable role carers play in our communities, ensure all adult carers are entitled to their own support plan and establishing local carer advice and information centres.

“But we know that there is more to be done and that Westminster has overlooked carers for too long.

“It is simply unfair that carers do not receive the same support as those looking for work. That’s why the SNP will use our influence at Westminster to put carers firmly on the Westminster agenda, securing an increase in carers allowance benefitting carers to the tune of £600 per year.

“In contrast, Labour’s manifesto doesn’t even bother to mention the Carers Allowance – and the Tories are committed to making another £12 billion of cuts to the welfare budget. Westminster simply isn’t working for Scotland’s carers – which is why we need a new, more progressive approach which guarantees carers the support they need.

“We will never be able to do enough to fully recognise the incredible work our carers do. But carers in Scotland – and across the UK – can be confident that the SNP will be a strong voice for their interests in the House of Commons and will use our influence at Westminster to deliver a better, fairer deal.”