LABOUR VOTES TO DENY FUNDING BOOST FOR CARERS

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LABOUR VOTES TO DENY FUNDING BOOST FOR CARERS
 
Scottish Labour has been criticised for voting against regulations which would increase the Carer’s Allowance by 2.4% in 2019/20. Labour MSPs were the only party to vote against regulations which see the Carer’s Allowance rise by 2.4% from £64.60 to £66.15 per week.
 
Last year, the Scottish Government introduced the Carer’s Allowance Supplement – an additional £442 a year to over 77,000 carers, and an investment of over £33 million in Scotland’s carers. This brought the level of financial support for carers in line with Jobseeker’s Allowance.
 
Commenting, local MP Brendan O’Hara said:
 
“It is shameful that Labour voted against a welcome increase in funding for carers, which would directly impact the lives of many in Scotland.
 
“The Scottish Government has already uprated the supplement, and this change means that for the first time carers in Scotland will now get a higher level of support than Jobseeker’s Allowance. That is an extra £452.40 a year for carers compared to their counterparts outwith Scotland.

Pre-empting a backbench business debate at Westminster on Tuesday 19th March, local MP Brendan O’Hara has been reviewing the UK-wide difficulties facing those with care responsibilities who will likely face additional burdens with the potential loss of EU citizens in the health and care sectors.  That debate and private members bill is calling for an independent evaluation of the impact of Brexit on health and social care.  Brendan O’Hara added:

“My private members bill, calling for an independent evaluation of the impact of Brexit on the Health and Social Care sectors has cross-party support with all but the tories recognising the risks facing our most vulnerable.”

“Over 100 private sector organisations have added their support including Royal College of Nursing and Unison”

“Unlike Labour, the SNP recognise the vital contribution that carers make to society, and will continue to recognise the work they do in our communities in what can often be difficult circumstances.
 
“I cannot believe that the Labour party actually voted against carers today when they are facing a vastly increased burden of responsibility if the UK leaves the EU”.

“Instead of these petty stunts, Labour should start working with the SNP to build a social security system with dignity and fairness at its heart.”
Briefing paper 5 February 2019