MSPs warn cost of Carers Bill may be 'underestimated'

The cost of implementing new legislation aimed at improving support for carers in Scotland may have been underestimated, MSPs have warned.

The Scottish government has said its Carers (Scotland) Bill will enshrine carers' rights in law for the first time in Scotland.

Holyrood's health and sport committee has been scrutinising the proposals and has raised concerns about funding.

It said it has heard fears the costs set out by ministers were unrealistic.

If passed, the new legislation would require councils to prepare plans for adult and young carers setting out their support needs.

Local authorities would also have to set up an information and advice service for carers in their areas.

The Scottish Parliament's health and sport committee has been taking evidence from key stakeholders.

A report on their findings said: "The committee shares the concerns of many stakeholders that the costs set out in the financial memorandum may be underestimated, which may have a detrimental effect on other carer services and mean that the aims of the bill would not be met."

MSPs backed the bill but called on the government to set out revised estimates or commit to providing additional funding if necessary.

They also want more detail on the costs of providing information and advice services in remote and rural areas and larger cities.

The report said: "A number of respondents to the committee's call for evidence highlighted that there are many information and advice services already in existence in the third sector, and that the bill's focus should be on supporting and resourcing them and only establishing new services where necessary."

'Happier and healthier'

Committee convener Duncan McNeil MSP said: "Our committee believes that this legislation will significantly contribute to supporting carers. However, we have a number of concerns which we are asking the Scottish government to urgently address.

"We are also calling for assurances from the Scottish government that this bill actually has the resources behind it to deliver the step change that it promises on paper."

MSPs also raised concerns that the broadening of the definition of "carer" could reduce the ability of council's to prioritise those most in need of assistance.

They want to see the NHS given a larger role in carer support, particularly in helping to identify carers.

A Scottish government spokesman said: "Society owes those who provide a caring role a massive debt of gratitude and the new Carers Bill will enshrine carers' rights in law for the first time in Scotland.

"This bill should go some way towards allowing carers to balance their caring responsibilities with other things they want to achieve in their lives, helping them to be happier and healthier.

"We are providing considerable resources for implementation of the Carers Bill. We continue to work with Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities), the National Carer Organisations and others on the resourcing."