Katy Clark MP for North Ayrshire and Arran expressed her support for Carers Rights Day on the 5th December. The campaign aims to provide support to carers and to raise awareness of the help that is available to them.

Addressing the role that carers play in society Katy said, “North Ayrshire Carers Centre has 2850 registered carers. Carers provide a vital service in our communities that should be fully recognised. It is important that they are made aware of the services and financial support that is available.”

In the pre-budget report the Chancellor announced that carers who are entitled to Carer’s Allowance will receive an additional payment of £60 in the new year, in conjunction with the usual £10 Christmas Bonus that they normally receive.

Speaking on this issue Katy Clark MP stated, “I welcome the announcement made by the Chancellor that carers will receive an additional £60. This payment will benefit over 900,000 carers throughout the UK, and I hope will help the carers of North Ayrshire and Arran to cope with rising prices in food and energy. However, it is important that we do more to ensure that carers get adequate help and support.

“In Scotland carers save the country approximately £7.6 billion each year. Without the valuable work that they do, our NHS service could not cope. Unfortunately, many carers become financially worse off when they take on caring. Although there is support available many financial benefits go unclaimed. In Scotland that figure is £70 million. I urge all my constituents who care for family, friends and neighbours to contact Carers Scotland on their helpline number, 0808 808 7777 to make sure that they have necessary information about the carers benefits that they are entitle to.”