Scottish ministers have backed a clear commitment on care, after a sustained campaign by more than 70 Scottish organisations.

Following a successful fight from the ‘A Scotland That Cares’ coalition, the Scottish government has proposed a new, dedicated National Outcome on Care.

Once finalised it will make Scotland one of the first countries in the world to make such an explicit and comprehensive commitment to driving and transparently measuring progress on how care, and those who look after someone, are valued.

However, campaigners are warning that Scotland’s next First Minister must deliver a meaningful step-change in how unpaid and paid carers in Scotland are valued and supported and not let this opportunity be missed.

Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:

“This hugely welcome, globally significant commitment to carers cannot be overshadowed or undermined by short-term political upheaval.

“The next First Minister must instead ensure the proposed National Outcome on Care is worth the paper it’s written on by delivering rapid and transformative changes that boost investment in care and give carers the support they need. It’s time that carers, and the contribution they make to our country, are both visible and valued.”

Established in 2007, Scotland’s National Performance Framework (NPF) includes 11 National Outcomes, which describe the type of country the government is trying to create.

The current outcomes feature virtually no mention of care.

The ‘A Scotland that Cares’ coalition, led by Oxfam Scotland, Scottish Women’s Budget Group, Carers Scotland, Scottish Care and One Parent Families Scotland, has been campaigning since at least 2022 for the next review of the NPF to recommend a dedicated new National Outcome for Care.

This, campaigners say, could ‘set Scotland on a path toward transformative change’ which will see those who experience and provide care truly valued.

Now, a draft new National Outcome stating ‘we are cared for as we need throughout out lives and value all those providing care’ has been lodged by ministers to be considered by MSPs.

Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland, said carers have gone too long underappreciated:

“Carers, whether paid or unpaid, are the backbone of our society, providing essential support and compassion to those in need. For too long, their tireless efforts have gone unseen and unappreciated, resulting in carers often facing burn out and poverty.

“The Scottish government’s landmark new commitment to carers is a positive step towards ensuring that carers of all kinds receive the recognition and resources they urgently need and deserve.”

Proposals for a care outcome comes less than a week after care workers across Scotland came together at Holyrood to demand the return of money meant to boost their terms and conditions was redesignated.

Trade unions said the decision came as a massive blow to the sector, and workers feel ‘desperately let down’.

More than a quarter of the money sent to council to support unpaid carers has also been found to be spent in ways other than how it was intended, according to analysis by the Coalition of Carers.

The ‘A Scotland That Cares’ coalition says delivery of the new Outcome must translate into practical policies at all levels of government, including adequate funding and meaningful support systems that make a tangible difference to the daily lives of carers.

Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish Care, said:

“For decades, carers of all kinds have provided an essential service which, despite its Cinderella status, has kept our communities and economy afloat.

“The new National Outcome on care must be a line in the sand, and given the weight, impetus, and funding it needs to drive the substantial spending and policy changes required to address the myriad of issues facing the care sector, carers and those they care for.”

 

Read more: Millions meant for carers misspent; Employment rights extended to unpaid carers; First Minister urged to rethink social care pay rise

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