What this indicator measures

This indicator assesses how well unpaid carers are supported through legislation, national strategies and local service delivery. It examines access to Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements, the availability of breaks from caring, support for diverse groups of carers, budget transparency, the quality of local carer services and the degree to which support enables carers to manage caring responsibilities and maintain wellbeing.

Key findings

• The Carers Act establishes important rights, including entitlement to an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement, and a duty on local authorities to involve carers in care decisions
  
• There is a significant gap between policy intention and the experiences of unpaid carers
  
• Support for carers from Black and minority ethnic communities is often fragmented, under resourced and culturally unresponsive, as highlighted in research by MECOPP
  
• Delivery of the Carers Act varies widely across local authorities, resulting in inconsistent access to support
  
• Carers from low income households face financial barriers and high levels of poverty
  
• Budget allocations for unpaid carer support lack transparency and do not always reach frontline services
  
• Very limited evidence exists of any redistribution of care work within households as a result of policy interventions

Impacts on families

Unpaid carers often experience stress and financial strain. Carers frequently report that assessments do not lead to meaningful support and that breaks from caring can be difficult to secure. Young carers experience significant pressures, which can negatively affect education, wellbeing and long-term opportunities.

Accessibility considerations

Support does not currently reach many marginalised groups. Research shows that 51 percent of Black and minority ethnic unpaid carers were unaware of their right to an Adult Carer Support Plan, compared with 34 percent of unpaid carers in the general population. There is limited provision designed specifically for carers on low incomes. These gaps disproportionately affect women, who make up most unpaid carers and are more likely to experience financial insecurity.

Budget context

Budget to support the Carers Act has been static since 2022 to 2023 and budget information lacks transparency. Analysis by the Coalition of Carers in Scotland found that local authorities spent 62 million pounds on carer support in 2022 to 2023, which was 26 million pounds less than the amount committed. Funding is not ring fenced and can be absorbed into wider adult social care budgets or general funds, limiting the delivery of intended support. Funds for short breaks were boosted by an additional five million pounds in 2025-26, bringing the total to thirteen million pounds.

Lived experience

“Constantly juggling priorities. Always on high alert and never time to relax. Living on adrenaline as care includes day and night.”

Quoted from the State of Caring 2024 report.

Overall interpretation

Scotland has established a strong legislative and strategic foundation for supporting unpaid carers, but considerable gaps remain in delivery, reach and impact. Many carers do not receive the assessment, advice or breaks they are entitled to. The system does not yet provide adequate or consistent support for carers from minority ethnic communities, carers on low incomes or young carers. These shortcomings reinforce gender inequality, as unpaid care falls disproportionately on women. Improved budget transparency, consistent implementation and targeted support for underrepresented groups are essential to delivering meaningful change.