Policy consultations and responses in Scotland
We proactively set out the challenges faced by unpaid carers and press for the policy changes and system improvements which will make a real difference. At all times, we will work to ensure the voices of unpaid carers are heard loud and clear, and that both unpaid carers and our network of local carer organisations are directly involved in our influencing work in Scotland and across the UK.
Carers Trust Scotland responds to relevant consultations by the Scottish and UK Governments and provides written or oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament when requested.
2023
NCO response to a consultation on a fairer Council Tax.
This is a response to Scottish Government's Consultation on a fairer Council Tax. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a Carers Trust Scotland submission to the Scottish Parliament Social Justice and Social Security Committee as part of their scrutiny of Carer Assistance (Carer Support Payment) (Scotland) Regulations.
NCO response to National Outcome Review 2023
This is a response to Scottish Government's National Outcome Review 2023 - Call for Evidence. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance. This response provides our collective feedback and highlights our support to introducing a new National Outcome on Care.
NCO response to Carer's Assistance (Carer Support Payment) (Scotland) Regulations
This is a response to Scottish Commission on Social Security’s call for views on Carer’s Assistance (Carers Support Payment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance. This response provides our collective feedback on key questions on the proposed regulations and highlights where we think further amendments and improvements can be made.
NCO response to Adult Disability Payment: Mobility Component
This is a response to Scottish Government's Adult Disability Payment: Mobility Component consultation. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Carer Support Paper - Briefing Paper
This is a briefing paper about Carer Support Payment in Scotland. This briefing discusses the draft regulations for the new benefit that will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and launched in 2024. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint briefing between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response Quality Standards for Adult Secondary Mental Health Services
This is a response to Scottish Government's Quality Standards for Adult Secondary Mental Health Services consultation. We hope that the ambitions of these Standards translate into real-life benefits for those who use secondary mental health services and those who provide unpaid care to such persons, to maximally benefit recovery. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to a Bill to reform Freedom of Information legislation in Scotland.
This is a response to a Proposed Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill - a proposal for a Member's Bill. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to Delivery of psychological therapies and interventions: national specification
This is a response to Scottish Government's Delivery of Psychological Therapies and Interventions: National Specification consultation. A 'specification' is a document which sets out the standards that someone should expect when accessing or delivering psychological therapies or interventions. These standards are quite specific to psychological therapies and interventions. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to Self Directed Support Improvement Plan, 2023-2027
This is a response to the Scottish Government and COSLA on the Self Directed Support Improvement Plan 2023-2027. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
2023 - Letters of support
Open joint letter to First Minister of Scotland on Young Carers Action Day 2023.
This is an open joint letter from over 60 organisations and 170 individuals (including young carers and their supporters) in Scotland, led by Carers Trust Scotland, to the First Minister of Scotland on Young Carers Action Day. The letter asks Scottish Government to take urgent action to continue to improve support for young carers in Scotland.
2023 - Scottish Parliament Motions on behalf of Carers Trust Scotland
Motion S6M-08027: Young Carers Action Day
Motion S6M-08428: Older Adult Carers Research
Motion S6M-08775: Carers Week and Social Security
2022
Response to National Discussion on Education
This is a Carers Trust Scotland response to Scottish Government's Let's Talk Education - National Discussion consultation. The Scottish Government was seeking views to help develop a vision for the future of education in Scotland. Our response has been informed through consultation exercises with young carers and young carer services in Scotland.
NCO response to Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill
This is a response to the Scottish Parliament Education, Children and Young People Committee call for views on the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Response to School uniforms in Scotland
This is a Carers Trust Scotland response to Scottish Government's School uniforms in Scotland consultation. The Scottish Government has committed to introduce statutory guidance in Scotland which aims to address equalities issues around uniform policy and reduce the cost of school uniform, as this can be a significant barrier to participation in learning. Our response has been informed through consultation exercises with young carers.
NCO response to the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill
This is a response to the Scottish Parliament Health, Social Care and Sport Committee call for views on the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response from Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to A new Suicide Prevention Strategy for Scotland
This is a response to Scottish Government's Suicide Prevention Strategy for Scotland consultation. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
National Care Service (Scotland) Bill - Briefing Paper
This is a briefing paper about the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill. This briefing discusses the proposals within the Bill and highlights the key aspects that could impact unpaid carers in Scotland. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint briefing between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland Consultation
This is a response to Scottish Government's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy consultation. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to Health and Social Care Strategy for Older People Consultation
This is a response to Scottish Government's Health and Social Care Strategy for Older People consultation. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to Scottish Carer's Assistance Consultation
This is a response to the Scottish Government's Scottish Carer's Assistance Consultation. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to Scottish Mental Health Law Review Consultation
This is a response to the independent Scottish Mental Health Law Review. consultation. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and submitted jointly by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Scottish Mental Health Law Review Consultation: Briefing Paper - The Role of Unpaid Carers
This is briefing explores The Role of Unpaid Carers within the consultation document for the independent Review of Mental Health and Incapacity Legislation in Scotland. This briefing paper also provides recommendations to consider and poses questions for unpaid carers.
Scottish Mental Health Law Review Consultation: Briefing Paper - Supported Decision Making
This is a briefing paper about the consultation on the independent Review of Mental Health and Incapacity Legislation in Scotland. This briefing discusses Supported Decision Making, Named Person and the Role of Unpaid Carers within the consultation.
Carers Trust Scotland response to Scottish Parliament on Tackling Health Inequalities in Scotland
This is a response to the Scottish Parliament Health, Social Care and Sport Committee call for views on Tackling Health Inequalities in Scotland. This is a specific response focusing on tackling the health inequalities of unpaid carers and has been informed through research and consultation with unpaid carers.
Young Carers Action Day - Taking Action on Isolation: Policy briefing
This is Carers Trust Scotland policy briefing for Members of the Scottish Parliament. The briefing focuses on the main policy recommendation for Young Carers Action Day in Scotland that Scottish Government and local authorities should commit to ensuring young carers can access the breaks they need.
This is a summary report produced by Carers Trust Scotland following survey work with 171 young carers and young adult carers in Scotland, which took place during January 2022.
NCO response to Scottish Government's consultation to Assessment of Wellbeing (GIRFEC)
This is a response to the Scottish Government's consultation to Assessment of Wellbeing - Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 - Revised Statutory Guidance for Part 18 (Section 96). This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
2022 - Scottish Parliament Motions on behalf of Carers Trust Scotland
Motion S6M-03622: Young Carers Action Day
Motion S6M-04447: Carers Week 2022
Motion S6M-05593: Scottish Young Carers Festival
2022 - Letters of support
This is a joint letter from the National Carer Organisations to Ben Mcpherson MSP, Minister for Social Security and Local Government. The letter seeks support for further financial support for unpaid carers, including an extra payment to be made with this December’s Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
Joint statement on UK Rights Removal Bill.
This is a joint statement supported by 123 organisations to the UK Government. The statement urges UK Government to reconsider the UK Rights Removal Bill and instead, consider what can be done to better protect human rights for all in Scotland, and across the UK.
2021
Carers Trust Scotland response to the Scottish Parliament on Wellbeing of Children and Young People
This is a response to the Scottish Parliament Health, Social Care and Sport Committee call for views on Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People. This is a specific response focussing on the wellbeing of children and young people with caring responsibilities and has been informed through consultation exercises with young carers.
NCO response to Scottish Government's consultation to A National Care Service for Scotland
This is a response to the Scottish Government's consultation to A National Care Service for Scotland. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a Carers Trust Scotland and Scottish Young Carers Service Alliance response to Scottish Government's consultation on A National Care Service for Scotland on behalf of young carers. This is a specific response focussing on the views of young people with caring responsibilities and has been informed through consultation exercises with young carers.
NCO response to Scottish Government’s request for views on Minimum Income Guarantee
This is a response to the Scottish Government's request for views on Minimum Income Guarantee. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Carers Trust Scotland response to Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing: Refreshed Action Plan
This is a Carers Trust Scotland response to Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing: Harnessing the power of information for renewal and recovery from the COVID pandemic. This review is being undertaken by Scottish Library and Information Council, the ALLIANCE, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, and the Scottish Government Self Management and Health Literacy team.
This is a response to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee call for views on the Carer's Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a Carers Trust Scotland letter to the Scottish Commission on Social Security following a request to provide views as part of their scrutiny on the the draft Suspension of Assistance (Disability Assistance for Children and Young People) (Scottish Child Payment) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
A Manifesto for Unpaid Carers and Young Carers
The National Carer Organisations produced this manifesto in advance of the Scottish Parliament Election in May 2021. It reflects the key changes and concerns raised by many unpaid carers and young carers and sets out what we would like to see in the sixth Scottish Parliament term. We have also engaged with carer centres and young carers services across Scotland in developing this manifesto.
This is a response to the Scottish Ambulance Service's consultation on improving patients' care journey after a fall with no injury. This is a National Carer Organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Independent Review of Adult Social Care in Scotland: Briefing paper for unpaid carers
This is a briefing for unpaid carers following the report from the Scottish Government's Independent Review of Adult Social Care. It is a National Carer Organisations' joint briefing between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to revised National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland
This is a response to the Scottish Government's consultation on revised National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and supported by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
2021 - Scottish Parliament Motions on behalf of Carers Trust Scotland
Motion S5M-24185: Launch of Carer Aware at University
Motion S5M-24378: Young Carers Action Day
Motion S5M-24435: Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance
Motion S6M-00255: Carers Week 2021
2021 - Letters of support
This is a joint letter to Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland. It is supported by over 120 organisations to urge Scottish Government to use the upcoming Programme for Government to commit to doubling the Scottish Child Payment in this year’s budget.
This is a joint letter to Julie Lennard (Chief Executive officer of DVLA) from the National Carer Organisations. The letter ask DVLA to consider introducing ringfenced driving and practical test slot for unpaid carers.
2020
NCO response to free bus travel for people resident in Scotland under 19
This is a response to the Scottish Government's consultation on free bus travel for under 19s in Scotland. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and supported by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a response to the Scottish Government's consultation on UNCRC Incorporation Bill into Scots law. This response was led by Carers Trust Scotland and supported by the other National Carer Organisations. The National Carer Organisations are; Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to the Transitions Bill 2020
This is a response to the Proposed Member's Bill on Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions) (Scotland) Bill. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Briefing Young Carers Education 2020 - Carers Trust Scotland
A comment piece about the impact of young carers’ education in Scotland as result of actions taken following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
NCO response to the consultation on Shielding
This is a response to the Scottish Government's consultation on Shielding. This is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
A comment piece about the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on student carers and recommendations for improved support.
NCO response to the consultation on Carers Leave
This is a response to Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy – Consultation on Carers Leave. This is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroad Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
NCO response to Scottish Parliament call for written evidence to the Social Care Inquiry
This is a response to Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee call for written evidence to the Social Care Inquiry. This is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroad Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
2020 - Scottish Parliament Motions on behalf of Carers Trust Scotland
Motion S5M-20583: #CountMeIn on Young Carers Awareness Day
Motion S5M-21959: Carers Week 2020
Motion S5M-22726: Supporting Student Carers at College
2020 - Letters of support
Joint letter to MSPs on UNCRC incorporation into Scots Law
This is a joint letter led by Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights), warmly welcoming the
introduction of a Bill to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots
law.
2019
Recognising Carers: Scottish Labour Discussion Paper on Carer's Allowance
This is a response to a discussion paper by the Labour Party in Scotland about Carer's Allowance. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation on Job Grant. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation on timescales for adult carer support plans and young carer statements for carers of terminally ill persons. It is a national carer organisations’ joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroad Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Changing Places Toilets: Building Standards Consultation
This is a response to the Scottish Government Changing Places Toilets: Buildings Standrad Consultation. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroad Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
A Consultation on Improving Disability Assistance in Scotland
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation on Improving Disability Assistance in Scotland. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation on incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into our domestic law in Scotland. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Consultation on Falls and Fracture Prevention Strategy for Scotland 2014-2024
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation on Falls and Fracture Prevention Strategy for Scotland 2014-2024. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Consultation on Learning Disability and Autism in the Mental Health Act
This is a response to the Independent Review of Learning Disability and Autism in the Mental Health Act. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
Consultation on "Out of School Care in Scotland - a draft framework for consultation"
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation to “Out of School Care in Scotland – a draft framework for consultation”. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.
2019 - Scottish Parliament Motions on behalf of Carers Trust Scotland
Motion S5M-15634: #CareForMeToo on Young Carers Awareness Day
Motion S5M-16322: Launch of Going Further for Student Carers
Motion S5M-16563: Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance Showcase Conference
2018
Consultation on Young Carer Grant Regulations
This is a response to the Scottish Government consultation on Young Carer Grant Regulations. It is a national carer organisations' joint response between Carers Trust Scotland, Carers Scotland, the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Crossroads Caring Scotland, MECOPP, Shared Care Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance.