Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has welcomed the commitment from Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson to introduce a ‘National Carers’ Break Guarantee’.
This would guarantee a fully funded, flexible week of respite for any carer caring for over 50 hours a week.
Respite – a break from caring – is consistently identified as the most helpful form of support by carers themselves.
At present there are almost 660,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, with over 115,000 people caring for more than 50 hours a week.
The local MP is backed her proposals, saying: “Presently support for carers is patchy and inconsistent, and differs significantly between local authorities and despite their invaluable role in our society many careers do not receive the praise and recognition they deserve.”
There were several options for the proposed policy, but the focus had to be on flexibility to allow carers to choose what suited them, such as care home, home nursing, joint holidays or multiple weekends.
Carers often do not realise what support they are entitled to, and introducing a guarantee sends out a clear signal that carers needed support, said Mr Mundell. The local MP believes that there needs to be a cultural change in the way carers are view both by the Scottish Government and local people, which recognise their vital role in Scottish society, especially as the population ages and people live longer.
“There are almost 660,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, with over 115,000 people caring for more than 50 hours a week and sadly many do not realise get the support they need, or even that which is currently available to them. All the evidence and feedback suggests that when the carers are left in a position where they are working more than 50 hours a week it starts having a negative effect on their own health and that simply isn’t acceptable.”
“These people are a very important part of our society and politicians of all parties need to work together to ensure they are properly recognised and supported. These proposals outlined by Scottish Conservatives would give carers much needed practical help and support, especially those working long hours. It is about time that politicians of all parties put there difference aside and make sure that action is taken on this issue and I believe that these plans to introduce a National Carers’ Break Guarantee would be a good place to start.” added Mr Mundell.