CARERS DESERVE A FAIR DEAL FROM WESTMINSTER
Angus Brendan MacNeil SNP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who has confirmed that SNP MPs would argue for extra support for carers across the UK – in contrast to Labour, who make no mention of the Carers Allowance in their manifesto.
The SNP manifesto has proposed increasing carers allowance to the same level as job seekers allowance, delivering up to £600 extra for over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland.
Carers allowance is currently £62 per week, whilst Jobseekers allowance is set at £73.
Commenting Angus MacNeil SNP, Na h-Eileanan an Iar said:
Angus Brendan MacNeil SNP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who has confirmed that SNP MPs would argue for extra support for carers across the UK – in contrast to Labour, who make no mention of the Carers Allowance in their manifesto.
The SNP manifesto has proposed increasing carers allowance to the same level as job seekers allowance, delivering up to £600 extra for over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland.
Carers allowance is currently £62 per week, whilst Jobseekers allowance is set at £73.
Commenting Angus MacNeil SNP, Na h-Eileanan an Iar 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 £12bn 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.”
“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 £12bn 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.”
