Carers welcome benefit changes but remain worried over human rights and equality policies
Devolved benefits for carers, ill and disabled people has been welcomed by Carers Trust Scotland - but the charity remains concerned some equality and human rights issues will remain reserved to Westminster.
Carers Trust Scotland said it was pleased its recommendation to the Smith Commission to devolve these benefits has been confirmed.
However it was disappointed aspects of human rights and equality legislation wouldn’t be granted.
Lord Smith announced aspects of the welfare system would now be controlled in Scotland but stopped short of devolving all of welfare - a call made by over 60 charities in their submissions.
A spokesperson said: “Carers face significant disadvantage and inequality and their rights are often not respected or realised.
“Proposed UK changes to human rights legislation may have a detrimental impact upon people in Scotland and we believe further devolution of powers would have protected carers’ rights.”
There are at least 657,000 carers in Scotland and there are thousands more "hidden" carers who are not being supported by services.
There are also an estimated 100,000 young carers in the country.
The trust is calling for a different benefit system for carers, with those with the most intensive caring roles able to access a higher rate of carers’ allowance, recognising that caring responsibilities often have a negative financial impact on families.
The spokesperson added: “We also welcome the new powers to vary some elements of Universal Credit, particularly the housing elements, which we know has had adverse effects on carers and disabled people in Scotland.
“We would hope that the Scottish Parliament use these new powers to make a positive impact on carers’ lives as soon as possible.”
