Care Reform (Scotland) Bill passed: our response
We welcome the passing of the Care Reform Bill in the Scottish Parliament today. This is a pivotal moment for Scotland’s unpaid carers, giving them a Right to A Break from caring.
This new right has the potential to be transformative for carers and will ensure that they are able to access sufficient breaks from caring. Short breaks and respite are critical for carers to achieve balance in their lives and be able to look after their own health and wellbeing.
The passing of the Bill is a first step. Our short breaks research showed that many carers struggle to access breaks from caring, and there are significant gaps in provision. When carers are able to get a break they are often using them for essential errands or household chores, rather than using them for rest, leisure, or simply time for themselves.
Therefore, there remains a great deal of work to be done in ensuring that this new right reaches its potential. Work must be done to ensure that Scotland’s short breaks sector has the variety and capacity to meet the needs of our diverse caring population, that carers have adequate information and support to access their right, and that organisations that support carers are adequately resourced and funded to deliver it.
Shared Care Scotland is committed to working with Scottish Government, carers, and short breaks providers over the coming months in order to make this important right into a reality.