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Poverty and financial hardship of unpaid carers in Scotland

A WPI Economics Report for Carers Scotland

Published Date: 1.9.2024

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Theme: Caring and society

Sub-theme: Economic value of caring

International publication UK Financial hardship Carer needs Economic value Report

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Caring and society

Sub-theme: Economic value of caring

View Publication International publication UK Financial hardship Carer needs Economic value Report

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Poverty and financial hardship of unpaid carers in Scotland

A WPI Economics Report for Carers Scotland

Published Date: 1.9.2024

  • Author/ Authors

    Julia Wyjadlowska, Matthew Tibbles,, Matthew Beebee, Matthew Oakley

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Wyjadlowska, J., Beebee, M., Tibbles, M., Oakley, M., & WPI Economics. (2024). Poverty and financial hardship of unpaid carers in Scotland. A WPI Economics Report for Carers Scotland. https://www.carersuk.org/media/irmjazgw/poverty-report_scotland_web.pdf

Long Summary

This report explores the extent and drivers of unpaid carer poverty in Scotland. It highlights that around 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland live in poverty, with poverty rates 56% higher and deep poverty rates 60% higher than for non-carers. Key drivers include loss of income due to reduced employment, high living and housing costs, inadequate social security support, and limited access to formal care services. The report calls for urgent policy reforms, including completing the rollout of Carer Support Payment, reviewing benefit adequacy, relaxing eligibility criteria, increasing financial support, improving housing assistance, and piloting a minimum income guarantee.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • Unpaid carers provide essential support that sustains Scotland’s health and social care system, yet many face significant financial hardship. Collective voices can drive progress, advocacy matters, and every step taken strengthens the system for all carers.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Local authorities play a vital role in supporting unpaid carers, who face poverty rates far above the general population. Many carers struggle with housing insecurity, high living costs, and lack of access to care services.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.