SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith Ben Macpherson has pledged his backing for Carers Week, which begins next Monday, by committing to support local carers across Edinburgh.
Ben Macpherson MSP has signed up to the Carers Week pledge to take carer-friendly action – highlighting the tireless work of the 6.5 million unpaid carers across the UK and offering them vital support. There are an estimated 788,000 unpaid carers across Scotland – with 44,000 of them under the age of 18.
The SNP Scottish Government has taken decisive action to support unpaid carers – investing over £135 million in a range of programmes and initiatives to support carers and young carers, as well as passing a new Carers Act, which extends the rights of carers and ensures better support, and which has come into force this year.
The local MSP said: “It’s important that we take any opportunity to celebrate and support the vital work that carers do in Edinburgh, and throughout our society.
“Across Scotland, there are nearly 800,000 carers, with tens of thousands under the age of 18 – and we should all try to support them in whatever way we can.
“I am pleased that the SNP Scottish Government has been leading the way in providing this support for unpaid carers – investing over £135 million, as well as passing the new Carers Act in 2016 that came into force this year.
“And, soon the Scottish Government will be using its new social security powers to increase the Carers Allowance to the same level as Job Seeker’s Allowance, giving carers some extra support.
“Carers Week is important because it gives us all the chance to show our support and appreciation for the help that carers provide in our local communities.”
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