28% unpaid carers across Scotland are living in poverty, with 1 in 12 in deep poverty
- The rate of poverty amongst unpaid carers is 56% higher than those who do not provide unpaid care in Scotland.
- 8% of unpaid carers in Scotland live in deep poverty; 50% below the poverty line.
- As many as 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty.
- Carers Scotland is calling for an increase in the value of Carer Support Payment and in its earnings-limit along with an increase in support for unpaid carers on means-tested benefits
New research finds that unpaid carers in Scotland are significantly more likely to experience financial hardship compared to those who do not provide unpaid care. The report by WPI Economics for Carers UK, funded by arbdn Financial Fairness Trust, explores the drivers and extent of poverty amongst unpaid carers in Scotland, finding that 28% are living in poverty, with 8% classed as being in “deep poverty”.
One of the main drivers of poverty highlighted in the report is the difficulty unpaid carers have combining paid work with their caring role. Many unpaid carers have to give up their careers or reduce their working hours as a result of their unpaid caring responsibilities, which can result in a loss of income and their ability to accumulate savings and pensions.
Other drivers of carer poverty include high housing costs, lack of support and access to social care services and the inadequacy of social security.
Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications for Carers Scotland, said:
“It’s deeply disturbing and shocking to hear that as many as 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty. Every day across the country, the care they provide helps to hold society together, and too many are finding themselves in precarious financial positions as a result. Relatively small increases to support can have a big impact on carers’ lives and lift many thousands out of poverty.
“Many carers face huge challenges juggling paid work and unpaid care. We need better support for carers in paid work, and to see visible change for those facing high costs linked to caring by the planned National Care Service meeting the needs of unpaid carers and supports them to continue with paid work, where they are able to combine this with their caring role.
“Carers who are struggling financially, caring for more hours, and caring over a longer period of time are under immense pressure. They urgently need proper support, new rights and legal protections to ensure that they are not penalised as a result of their caring role.”
Vivienne Jackson, Programme Manager at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, said:
“The care system would collapse without the vital people who provide unpaid care. It’s not right that those who provide essential services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society are living in poverty. Government and employers need to work together to help lift carers out of poverty.”
Carers Scotland is now calling on the both the UK and Scottish Governments to act on the detailed recommendations laid out in the report, including committing to reviewing Carer Support Payment to increase its low value, reducing complexity and to increasing carer top-ups for those on means tested benefits such as Universal Credit. The Scottish Government must also continue to develop and deliver its commitment to pilot a minimum income guarantee for unpaid carers in Scotland
The charity also wants to see better support for carers who might be able to combine paid work with unpaid care, including increasing the earnings threshold in Carer Support Payment to 21 hours at the National Living Wage.
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Notes to Editors
- The report “Poverty and financial hardship of unpaid carers in Scotland” is launched by Carers Scotland, WPI Economics and abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, setting out research results and recommendations in Scotland and is accompanied by a UK wide report, launched by Carers UK “Poverty and financial hardship of unpaid carers in the UK” which provides further details of the research and modelling of policy solutions. Copies of these reports are available on request
- Based on the SMC (Social Metrics Commission) measure of poverty, a person is considered to be in deep poverty when the resources they have available are so scarce it places them more than 50% below the poverty line. This measure captures individuals who live in the very poorest households. Due to small sample sizes, the rates for unpaid carers in Scotland are indicative.
- The research found that 28% of unpaid carers are living in poverty, with 8% in deep poverty compared to 18% of non-carers living in poverty, with 5% in deep poverty.
- The Scottish Government has estimated that unpaid carers save Scotland a staggering £13.1 billion per year in health and social care costs, which is roughly the equivalent of the NHS Scotland budget. Despite the immense value that they bring, many unpaid carers feel undervalued and underappreciated, saying that they need further support.
- The Scottish Government is currently rolling-out the new Carer Support Payment to replace Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, with the same low level of payment (£81.90 per week1) and earnings threshold of £151 per week.
Media contact
For the Carers Scotland press office please contact:
- Christine Robertson, Media and Communications Officer, christine.robertson@carerscotland.org Tel: 07553 037992
- Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications,
fiona.collie@carerscotland.org Tel: 07967826238
About abrdn Financial Fairness Trust
abrdn Financial Fairness Trust funds research, policy work and campaigning activities to tackle financial problems and improve living standards for people on low-to-middle incomes in the UK. It is an independent charitable trust registered in Scotland.
About Carers Scotland
Carers Scotland works to make life better for carers, influencing – using carers’ insights and lived experiences – policy makers, employers, and service providers, to help them improve carers' lives.
- We give expert advice, information, and support
- We connect carers so no-one has to care alone
- We campaign together for lasting change
- We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers
For practical advice and information about caring, go to www.carersscotland.org or contact our helpline via phone on 0808 808 7777 or email at advice@carersuk.org.
Website: www.carersuk.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carersuk
Twitter: @CarersUK
Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097).