The Carers (Scotland) Act will be commenced on April 1, 2018.
The package of provisions in the Act is designed to support carers’ health and wellbeing. These include, amongst other things:
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a duty on local authorities to provide support to carers, based on the carer’s identified needs which meet the local eligibility criteria.
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a specific Adult Carer Support Plan and Young Carer Statement to identify carers’ needs and personal outcomes.
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a requirement for each local authority to have its own information and advice service for carers which must provide information and advice on, amongst other things, emergency and future care planning, advocacy, income maximisation and carers’ rights.
The Act contributes to the Scottish Government’s vision of a healthier and fairer Scotland, and sits within the wider policy landscape including: integration of Health and Social Care; GP contract; new social security powers; and Fair Work agenda.