Carers Bill backed in Holyrood vote despite Labour funding concerns
The Scottish Parliament has passed new legislation to improve support for carers despite concerns about its “woefully inadequate” funding.
MSPs unanimously backed the Scottish Government’s Carers (Scotland) Bill, which will require councils to prepare plans for adult and young carers setting out their support needs.
It will also widen the definition of “carer” and oblige local authorities to set up an information and advice service for carers in their areas.
Health improvement minister Jamie Hepburn opened a debate on the Bill at Holyrood by thanking Scotland’s 745,000 adult and 44,000 young carers.
“Today marks a key change in our recognition of the contribution of carers across Scotland,” he said.
“It also extends carers’ rights in order to improve carers’ health and well-being so they can continue to care if they so wish and to have a life alongside caring.”
He added: “In the weeks and months ahead there will be a significant effort required to ensure that we, with care interests including carers and their representative organisations, pave the way for commencement of the Bill in 2017/18. There will be challenges ahead.
“I know that there is a genuine desire from all parties in this chamber to see the Bill implemented successfully and to achieve positive outcomes for carers.”
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said her party agreed with many parts of the Bill but was concerned about other aspects.
She said: “The greatest of these is the funding allocated to the Bill. It’s woefully inadequate.
“We’re really concerned that this Bill, while offering hope on one hand, will not deliver because of the lack of funding.
“Local councils are facing half a billion cuts to their budget this year and they are being forced to cut support rather than increase it.
“Carers tell us continually that they want more than warm words, I really hope this Bill won’t just be only warm words.”
Ms Grant also raised fears that a “postcode lottery” could be created for carers if eligibility criteria for support is set at a local rather than national level.
Conservative MSP Nanette Milne said her amendments to the Bill meant local authorities will have to provide short breaks for carers.
In addition, a person’s care plan will now have to be agreed as soon as possible before they leave hospital and with the involvement of the carer.
She also raised concerns about funding, stating: “Of the concerns expressed, financial provision was to the fore because legislation like this cannot be successful unless the entitlements it promises are properly and adequately funded.
“I’m not convinced this has been fully resolved yet and could be a hurdle in providing proper support and services to those entitled to them, particularly at a time of significant constraints on council funding.”
In response, Mr Hepburn said he believed the costs of £19.4 million in 2017/18 rising to £88.52 million in 21/22 demonstrated “a substantial commitment” to the Bill.
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