Politicians debate money issues to mark Carers’ Rights Day

Dec 6 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

POLITICIANS from every grade met with representatives of Perthshire’s carers to mark Carers’ Rights Day.

Organised by local charity Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS), the event saw Gordon Banks MP, John Swinney MSP, Liz Smith MSP, Councillor Willie Wilson and Florence Burke from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, along with Perth and Kinross Council’s welfare rights team, debate the key issues and barriers faced by carers.

The theme ‘Money Matters’ allowed financial problems, such as increases to statutory day care services and fuel costs, to be discussed, with the issue of unpaid carers also high on the agenda.

Ms Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “Unpaid carers are invaluable in delivering care in Scotland.

“Their expertise and the quality of care they provide can never be underestimated, especially the outstanding efforts of our growing number of young carers.

“With an ageing population, we must recognise that the contribution of unpaid carers is set to grow over the coming years.

“However, long-term caring can have an adverse impact on the mental, emotional and physical health of carers and prevent many individuals from realising their potential.

“It is vital that we improve support for unpaid carers and that access to quality respite care is given the priority it deserves.”

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney added: “It was a real pleasure for me to be at this event to find out even more about the excellent work PKAVS continues to do across Perth and Kinross.

“The service PKAVS provides in improving the life chances of disadvantaged groups in our communities should be recognised and commended by us all.”

Carer’s allowance is currently £55.55 per week, however £720 million worth of benefits go unclaimed by carers in the UK each year as many do not realise they are entitled to financial support.

There are currently estimated to be 12,000 adult carers and 2000 young carers, aged 5-18 years, throughout Perth and Kinross.

Margaret Jackson, PKAVS carers services manager, said: “Our staff are supporting carers and those being cared for through some of the issues which are likely to affect them when changes are made to the welfare system and are concerned that the most vulnerable will be affected.

“The Scottish Government is making a number of provisions for carers to be supported but we hope that they will be listening to the consequences of the welfare changes and the adverse effects within our community.”

For information on support available for carers, visit www.pkavs.org.uk.