Health & Communities Spokesperson Euan Robson MSPThe Scottish Liberal Democrats have launched a radical new set of policies aimed at helping Scotland’s half million carers.

The package includes a network of new Carers’ Centres across the country, supported by permanent staff who can offer everything from professional advice to a shoulder to cry on. The Liberal Democrats also want to look at extending schemes which offer pensioners free public transport and central heating to carers.

Launching the proposals at a conference of carers, the party’s Health spokesperson, Euan Robson MSP, said:

“The well-being of carers must be a much higher priority than it has been in the past. That is why I am today unveiling a package of policies geared towards supporting carers and their families.

“Liberal Democrats want to establish a network of new Carers’ Centres with core funding for permanent staff at these centres to reduce the feeling of isolation for carers, to offer advice and assistance and particularly to help carers access services and benefits.

“We also believe that there is scope to extend free concessionary travel and the Central Heating and Warm Deal programme to carers.

“We must ensure that carers have access to better training and that specific training about carers is incorporated into the initial training and continuing professional development of health service staff and social workers. It is also important that any respite care is tailored to individual needs.

“There are some 480,000 carers and at least 17 000 young carers in Scotland today delivering services which would cost in the region of £5.5 billion if paid for from the public purse. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring that carers get the back-up and support they need to help them in this most important of roles.”