The National Carer Organisations (NCOs) have released their 2024 General Election Manifesto, advocating for Scotland’s 800,000 unpaid carers.
With Scotland’s unpaid carers contributing an estimated £13.1 billion annually in unpaid care, this Manifesto emphasises the need for increased support and recognition and calls on the next UK Government to take specific actions:
- Increase funding for social care to ensure sustainability and quality local care services
- Commit to increasing the Carer Premium and Carer Element in Universal Credit
- Provide additional financial support to unpaid carers of State Pension age
- Change the social security system to better support carers to remain in work
- Build on the Carer’s Leave Act and implement paid carers leave
- Amend the Equalities Act 2010 to include caring as the 10th protected characteristic