RECORD NUMBER OF YOUNG CARERS SUPPORTED UNDER SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT £163,581 ALLOCATED TO WEST LOTHIAN

RECORD NUMBER OF YOUNG CARERS SUPPORTED UNDER SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT £163,581 ALLOCATED TO WEST LOTHIAN

Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance has welcomed the latest figures which show a record number of young carers have received support from the Scottish Government, with over 3,700 receiving a Young Carer Grant in the last year and encourages people across Almond Valley to apply for support.

 Since the payment was launched in 2019, over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made, and since March 2023 almost 1.4m has been paid - almost 60% more than the year before.

 The £380 grant is only available in Scotland to those aged 16 - 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.

 Commenting, Ms Constance said:

 “This Scottish Government is transforming more lives than ever before across Almond Valley and will continue to do all it can as we work towards the goal of eradicating child poverty.

 “With a social security system built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, we can make a real difference – alleviating hardship and supporting those who sacrifice so much to care for their loved ones.

 “In Almond Valley alone, between 2019-2024, 505 people in West Lothian have received the grant, which totals to £163,581 being given to young carers. 165 of those payments were made in the 2023-2024 period alone, the most of any year yet, which totalled £57,864.”

 “I am glad this support – which is unique to Scotland – is available to young carers across my constituency, and I would encourage anyone who is not receiving this payment to check if they are eligible.”

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