Carers (Scotland) Act 2016
| Act of the Scottish Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about carers, including the identification of carers' needs for support through adult carer support plans and young carer statements; the provision of support to carers; the enabling of carer involvement in certain services; the preparation of local carer strategies; the establishment of information and advice services for carers; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Introduced by | Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 9 March 2016 |
Status: Current legislation | |
| History of passage through the Parliament | |
| Text of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 is an act relating to supporting carers.
Provisions
The legislation enshrines carers' rights in law.[1] It requires local authorities to provide support to carers to provide support to criteria who meet local eligibility criteria.[2]
The legislation requires the Scottish Government to establish a carers' charter.[3]
Criticism
In 2019, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland criticised the legislation, suggesting that it does not deliver on providing "support on a more consistent basis" due to the fact that eligibility criteria can be different depending on the area.[4][5]
References
- ^ "MSPs warn cost of Carers Bill may be 'underestimated'". BBC News. 21 September 2015. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ "Carers in Scotland 'struggling to get a break'". BBC News. 11 July 2017. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ "Holyrood approve bill to provide more support to carers". BBC News. 4 February 2016. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ Freeman, Tom (12 March 2019). "Carers' Act funding 'not being spent' by some councils, say charities". Holyrood. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ Morgan-Griffiths, Yasmin (12 March 2019). "'Lack of consistency' warning over funding for new Carers Act". BBC News. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2025.