COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing, has welcomed the news from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security, that Carers in Cowdenbeath, and across Scotland, will receive the first payments of the new Carer’s Allowance Supplement from mid-September, back-dated to April.

This will increase the value of their award to the same level as Jobseeker’s Allowance (increasing from £62.70 to £73.10 per week) and is an interim measure prior to the Scottish Government taking complete control of Carers Allowance itself at a later date.

Ms Ewing said: “The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a new benefit which will be paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland, the first major new public service to be created since devolution.

“Eligible carers will get a supplementary payment of £221, equivalent to an extra £8.50 per week, an increase of 13% on Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions.

“The day when the first of these payments is made will be an historic moment as it will mark the launch of a new public service by the Scottish Government intent on delivering a social security that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect."

The MSP added: “I am particularly pleased that the first group to benefit from the new system will be our Carers. It is a recognition of the important contribution they make to our society and they are very deserving indeed of this increased income.

“Across the country, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement is worth more than £30 million a year and will benefit more than 75,000 carers.

"Carers who are entitled to this payment will be receiving letters from Social Security Scotland from the week beginning September 10 so that they know in advance to expect a payment which will be made in the same way as they receive their usual Carer’s Allowance payments.

"There are no extra forms to fill in.”