1350 CARERS IN MIDLOTHIAN AND 1240 IN EAST LOTHIAN DUE TO RECEIVE EXTRA PAYMENT

MSP PRAISES VITAL WORK DONE BY CARERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
 
Around 1350 carers in Midlothian, and 1240 in East Lothian, are due to benefit from a one-off payment during the coronavirus pandemic.
 
The Scottish Government has revealed plans to invest £19.2million to provide further support to Scottish carers during the Covid-19 crisis.
 
If approved by parliament, around 83,000 eligible carers across Scotland will get an extra £230.10 through a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June - with around 1350 in Midlothian and 1240 in East Lothian benefitting from this additional financial support.
 
The extra payment will be paid automatically to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
“Carers in Midlothian and East Lothian make an absolutely vital contribution to our society, and it’s only appropriate that their hard work is valued and they are properly supported by the Scottish Government.
 
“This one-off 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 will be an acknowledgement to carers that we know they are providing vital support to family, friends and neighbours, and playing an absolutely crucial role in our collective efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
 
“I am delighted that carers in Midlothian and East Lothian are being recognised by the SNP Government for the important contribution they make to our communities in these extremely difficult circumstances.”