Stage 1 scrutiny by the Health and Sport Committee
This page covers consideration of the Bill at Stage 1 only. The Bill and accompanying documents, together with supporting information can be read on the Carers (Scotland) Bill webpage.The stated policy objective of the Bill is to:
It is the intention of the Scottish Government that Scotland‘s estimated 745,000 adult carers and 44,000 young carers should be better supported on a more consistent basis so that they can continue to care, if they so wish, in good health and to have a life alongside caring. In relation to young carers, the intention is similar to that for adult carers but that young carers should have a childhood similar to their non-carer peers. The objective of the Bill is to make real this ambition by furthering the rights of both adult and young carers.
The Scottish Ministers view the Bill as an important opportunity to extend and enhance the rights of both adult and young carers in Scotland. This means empowering carers themselves to exercise their rights. It also means enabling professionals to make this happen. In relation to young carers, this complements the provisions in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (the CYP Act) requiring the Scottish Ministers to promote public awareness and understanding of the rights of children and young people.
Timetable
On 21 September 2015, the Committee Published its Stage 1 report.
On 5 October 2015, the Committee received a letter from the Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health regarding the First Minister's keynote speech to the Carers Parliament on 6 October.
On 7 October, the Finance Committee wrote to the Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health regarding the Financial Memorandum.
The Minister responded on 27 October 2015.
On 27 October the Committee received a response to the Stage 1 Report.
Evidence
On 25 March 2015, the Committee invited views on the Bill from any interested individuals or organisations. The call closed on 22 April 2015.
The Committee also seeks the views from people with caring responsibilities.
On Tuesday 5 May 2015 the Committee took evidence from: Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE); Carers Scotland; Carers Trust Scotland; The Coalition of Carers in Scotland; Scottish Transitions Forum; Minority Ethnic Carers of Older People Project (MECOPP), and Shared Care Scotland.
Official Report
YouTube
On Tuesday 12 May 2015 the Committee took evidence from: East Lothian Young Carers; Young Carers Service, Stirling Carers Centre; Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance, Carers Trust, and Young Adult Carer Development Worker, Edinburgh Young Carers Project (EYCP).
Official Report
YouTube
On Tuesday 26 May 2015 the Committee took evidence from: COSLA; Perth and Kinross Council; Dumfries and Galloway Council; NHS Lothian; Scottish Association of Social Work (part of British Association of Social Work); Social Work Scotland; Glasgow City Council Social Work Services, and Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.
Official Report
YouTube
On Tuesday 2 June the Committee reported back on their fact-finding visit on 18 May to meet with carers from across Scotland and its meeting with members of Marie Curie's Expert Voices Group for Scotland.
Official Report
YouTube