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1/ Very interesting evaluation of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement published by Scottish Govt. It shows, unsurprisingly, that better financial support for carers = improved outcomes. Who'd have thought it! @forummum @CarersNI @MarieCurieNI https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2020/12/evaluation-carers-allowance-supplement/documents/evaluation-carers-allowance-supplement/evaluation-carers-allowance-supplement/govscot%3Adocument/evaluation-carers-allowance-supplement.pdf
2/ The evaluation finds that CAS has helped Scottish carers pay for things like respite and essential household costs that they may have been unable to afford otherwise. This had positive impacts on mental health and wellbeing. CAS also made carers feel more recognised by govt.
3/ £450 (over two payments per year) isn't much in the grand scheme of things, but could make a difference to carers. Nothing similar exists in NI - our carers rely on Carer's Allowance, which is the equivalent of <£2p/h for 35hrs of care p/w.
5/ We could do a lot worse than follow the Scottish example and seriously beef up the financial support we provide to carers. HSC would collapse without them, so they're worth every penny. At present, they are being taken for granted and it simply isn't good enough.
