Carers' Charter goes out to consultation

Carers in Scotland have a draft charter setting out their rights, now published by ministers for consultation.

Ministers are bound by s 36 of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 to prepare and publish a Carers’ Charter, setting out the rights of carers in or under the Act. The charter does not create any new rights or alter any existing rights, but is intended to provide a summary of these rights in a readily accessible and understandable format for both young and adult carers alike.

The intention of the Act is to ensure that Scotland‘s estimated 745,000 adult carers and 44,000 young carers are better supported on a more consistent basis, so that they can continue to care, if they so wish, in good health and to have a life alongside caring.

Moreover, in relation to young carers, the intention is that young carers should have a childhood similar to their non-carer peers.

There is also a requirement to consult with carers and carer representatives and to lay the charter before the Scottish Parliament.

The new consultation is to determine whether the draft charter is fit for purpose and whether or not a revised charter will be published in due course.

Click here to access the consultation. Responses are due by 22 October 2017.