Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, has welcomed new figures which show a record number of young carers have received support from the Scottish Government, with over 3,700 receiving a Young Carer Grant in the last year.

Since the payment was launched in 2019, over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made, and since March 2023 almost 1.4m has been paid – almost 60% more than the year before.

The £380 grant is only available in Scotland to those aged 16 – 18 who spend at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit. 

Speaking this afternoon, Keith said:

“Young carers are absolutely awesome.  And those who find themselves providing care for a parent or other relative for hours every week deserve to be supported and recognised.

“That is why I was delighted that the SNP brought in the Young Carer Grant in 2019, a form of support which is unique to Scotland, and I am very pleased to note that, since its introduction, over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made -= and since March last year almost 1.4m has been paid, almost 60% more than the year before.

“I want to ensure that young people know that this payment is available and I want those aged 16-18 who are carrying out a substantial caring role to understand that they are entitled to support and should be receiving this money.

“This SNP Scottish Government is transforming more lives than ever before across my Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency and will continue to do all it can as we work towards the First Minister’s goal of eradicating child poverty.

“With a social security system built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, we can make a real difference – alleviating hardship and supporting those who sacrifice so much to care for their loved ones.”