Meeting of the Parliament 26 April 2017
Sorry, Presiding Officer. You asked me to identify her.
While we are discussing care, it would be wrong of me not to mention home carers who are not employed by a governing body but who do it because they are a family member, friend or partner. Many people are unable to seek employment because they are committed to the care of a loved one. That is not only a vocation but a role that takes considerable strain off local authorities and organisations. Young carers in my constituency are among the most remarkable young people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. They often do a job that is beyond their years while trying to study and plan for their future. That is why I am thrilled that the Scottish Government is looking at a young carers allowance, which is another way of ensuring that the cared for and the carer are supported in equal measure.
When I was first elected as a councillor in 2007, my first official duty was to attend an event for young carers at Glasgow south-east carers centre. Before then, I just never had a clue. Honestly, I was completely blown away by what those young people had to do, the responsibilities that were placed on them and the way that they stood up to the challenges and took them on their shoulders while at the same time looking to better their lives. I am therefore really pleased that the Scottish Government is doing all that it can to ensure that those young people benefit and can go on to complete their education and, we hope, do whatever they want to do with their lives.
As has been mentioned, the Government has committed to taking carers allowance up to the level of jobseekers allowance, which will mean that carers will receive an extra £600 a year, which is an 18 per cent rise. The Tory cuts to disability benefits have had a catastrophic effect on many of those in Scotland who should be most looked after and protected by the system. In order for the Scottish Government to do that properly, it has to continue with appropriate consultation. I look forward to seeing legislation on the measure being passed following the proper parliamentary procedure.
I have to take Colin Smyth up on his point about that. The Opposition knows fine well that the Scottish Government has to do that in consultation with the Department for Work and Pensions. The Opposition knows that the Government is already in that process and that, until there is agreement with the DWP for that to be rolled out, it is very difficult to do it. The Opposition cannot ask for a date when we are in the process of trying to get the procedures in place.
Earlier this year, I saw a dig at the Scottish Government in the Evening Times by one of Mr Smyth’s colleagues, who seemed keen to criticise the Government, which is committed to getting it right when it comes to the new powers. However, I agree with Mr Sarwar when he said:
“Carers are the unsung heroes of our country. Thousands of people dedicate their lives to caring for others and save the government, particularly our NHS and social care system, billions of pounds because of their selfless care and attention.”
I should probably challenge Mr Sarwar on that. If he feels so strongly about carers, what about the carers who are paid by Glasgow City Council and who are being treated with what seems to me like complete and utter contempt in their fight for equal pay? When we stand up for carers, we must stand up for all of them, because no one role is worth more than another. That applies to those in private sector and third sector organisations, kinship carers and many more who are ensuring not only that the most vulnerable in our community are looked but that they continue to play a worthy and functioning part in that fairer Scotland that we all seek.
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