A one-off payment of £230 is set to be made to 83,000 carers in Scotland

Carers are set to receive a much needed emergency cash boost.

More than 80,000 eligible carers in Scotland are set to receive an extra £230.10 as a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June.

The Scottish Government said the payment is in recognition of the additional pressure that carers are under as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The proposal will be paid automatically if approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Cabinet secretary for social security Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The payment will benefit carers who are on low incomes and already have some of the most intense caring roles, providing at least 35 hours unpaid care weekly to a disabled child or adult in receipt of higher level disability benefits.

“This additional payment would be an acknowledgement to carers that we know that they are doing even more right now, and we thank you.”

The announcement came after 100 organisations signed a letter calling for extra support for carers, as they are facing “intolerable pressure” as a result of poverty.

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "Today more than 100 organisations have called for governments to act to protect all carers from poverty, and this one-off cash boost for some of those looking after family or friends at home in Scotland will provide some much-needed relief.

“Many carers, particularly women who deliver most care, were already trapped in poverty before coronavirus and they are telling us that they’re facing rising bills for things like food and other essentials.

“Carers have been undervalued for too long, and while this extra payment is a welcome step, we must properly value the work of all carers now, and for good.”