Carer’s Allowance and State Pension: Open Letter to Cabinet Secretary
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 21st February 2024
Find out how to add your signature, either as an organisation or individual, to an open letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.
Carers Trust Scotland have drafted an Open Letter to the Cabinet Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, regarding improving social security support for older adult unpaid carers with underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance/Carer Support Payment. Thousands of unpaid carers do not receive Carer’s Allowance payment due to being in receipt of State Pension. The letter is focused on actions in Scotland which they are asking of the Cabinet Secretary and the Scottish Government.
They are calling for your support to the letter. The letter will be sent to the Cabinet Secretary on 29 February 2024. You can add your signature to this open letter, either as an organisation or an individual, including unpaid carers.
You can read the open letter on Carers Trust’s website.
To add your support as an organisation, please send your logo to bfriel@carers.org. Please ensure you have got the permission for your organisation to be added to this Open Letter.
For individuals, including unpaid carers, please click here to read and add your signature any time between 15 February and 28 February.
If you need any more information or have any queries relating to the Open Letter, please contact Beth Friel- bfriel@carers.org.
End of page.
You may also like:
The annual survey by Carers UK helps to shape campaigns and policy work, based on the experiences of unpaid carers.
Continue readingThe Practice Learning Review Consultation will remain open until 23 July 2026
Continue readingMulti-year funding was at the centre of the Scottish Parliament debate on a Third Sector Partnership Agreement
Continue readingThe letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingThe letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue readingCommission raises concerns over the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland
Continue reading