KINSHIP CARERS DESERVE FAIR BENEFIT SUPPORT.

KINSHIP CARERS DESERVE FAIR BENEFIT SUPPORT.

NEW MINISTER ASKED TO CHANGE RULES,

SNP MSP Bob Doris has repeated his calls for the UK Government to support kinship carers by amending benefit rules.

Kinship carers now receive support payments across Scotland – with payments set to reach the same level as foster carers.

Current UK benefit rules do not properly recognise Kinship carers and payments made to kinship carers can be deducted from benefits.

Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has previously discussed this issue with the Scottish Government and written to former Secretary of State James Purnell who failed to take action. Mr Doris is now planning on raising the issue with Yvette Cooper, the new minister responsible.

Mr Doris said;

“It is ridiculous that efforts to help and support Kinship carers are damaged by UK Government benefit rules.

“The prospect of payments for care being docked because of out of date benefit rules is ridiculous.

“Despite raising this issue with the UK Government the Department for Work and Pensions have failed to take any action.

"The SNP Government working with local authorities has seen the first steps taken toward treating kinship carers with the respect they deserve for the essential service they provide - but without action to change the benefits rules the Scottish Government and local authorities have one hand tied behind their back.

“This is a prime example of the need for greater control in Scotland of benefits paid out in Scotland.

“I will be writing to the new Secretary of State Yvette Cooper to ask her, as I asked her predecessor, to support Kinship carers and ensure that the support now available from the Scottish Government and Local authorities for kinship carers gets to kinship carers.”