CALL TO STOP CLAWBACK OF KINSHIP CARE PAYMENTS.

CALL TO STOP CLAWBACK OF KINSHIP CARE PAYMENTS.

SCOTTISH COUNCILS SHOW PROGRESS ON KINSHIP CARE.

Speaking ahead of a debate on Kinship Care SNP MSP Bob Doris urged MSPs to unite in calling on the UK Government to change legislation to prevent kinship care payments being clawed back through cuts in other benefits.

The Scottish Government and Local Authorities in Scotland are introducing payments for kinship carers which will equal the support available for foster parents by 2011 however the current benefit rules mean these payments may be lost by many carers through cuts in other benefits.

Commenting ahead of the debate SNP MSP for Glasgow said:
“Today MSPs have an opportunity to support Scotland’s kinship carers.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities are working to support kinship carers but it is essential the UK Government acts to prevent payments being clawed back from other benefits.

“We want to see Kinship carers achieve the same level of support as foster carers. Kinship carers perform a vital service for our young people and for our society.

“Local Authorities have responded enthusiastically with many payments already in place but it would be a tragedy if payments that kinship carers have fought long and hard for are taken away by the Department for Work and Pensions.

“The SNP were the only party in 2007 to demand support for Kinship carers. Today all parties can show their support. I hope all MSPs will now support the Scottish Government in its negotiations to see the benefit rules changed and to see kinship carers win the support they deserve.”