MSPs consider plans to make second coronavirus-related Carer’s Allowance Supplement double payment in December 2021

Social Justice and Social Security Committee launches consultation seeking views by 12 August 2021

Scotland’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has launched a consultation on the government's plans to double the Carer's Allowance Supplement payment in December 2021.

Introducing its consultation on the Carer's Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill, the Committee advises -

‘The Covid-19 outbreak has had a serious impact on unpaid carers in Scotland. Last year the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 provided a 'double payment' of Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June 2020. This covered the period from 1 April to 30 September 2020.

This Bill was created to allow another 'double payment' in December 2021.’

Commenting on the Bill and the Committee's call for views, Committee Convener Neil Gray said -

‘This Bill wants to address some of the extra burden unpaid carers have taken on by increasing the level of the Carer’s Support Allowance. But what impact would this have on those facing unimaginable hardship as a result of Covid?

We want to hear from those working closely with carers about what this will mean in practice and whether the additional payment is the most appropriate way to support unpaid carers. We also want to learn whether people think the Scottish Government should have more flexibility to change this payment in the future.’

For more information, see Committee considers plans for additional payment for unpaid carers from parliament.scot

Update (13 September 2021) - the Committee has today published its Carer's Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 report that confirms that the Committee is 'content to support the general principles of the Bill and recommends to the Parliament that they be agreed to.'