Carers Census, Scotland, 2019-20 and 2020-21

Key Points

• This is the second publication of the Carers Census data, covering financial years 2019-20 and 2020-21. Some data providers were still implementing new systems to collect and record this information during the collection period. As a result, the figures presented in this publication are incomplete. Care should be taken when interpreting the results.
• There were 32,690 individual carers being supported by local services across Scotland that were identified through the Carers Census in 2019-20. In 2020-21, there were 31,760 individual carers supported by local services.
• There was a notable deprivation effect for young carers supported by local services. For example, in 2020-21 14% of young carers lived in the most deprived Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) decile, while 5% lived in the least deprived SIMD decile.
• The most commonly reported impact of providing unpaid care in both 2019-20 and 2020-21 was on carers' emotional well-being. Where this information was available; around 4 in 5 carers experienced an impact on their emotional well-being due to their caring role.
• Based on records where information on Adult Carer Support Plans (ACSPs) and Young Carer Statements (YCSs) were available; 41% of carers supported by local services had a complete ACSP or YCS in place in 2020-21, while for 47% their ACSP or YCS was incomplete.
• Based on records where information on support provided to carers was available; the most common form of support provided to carers was advice and information. Young carers supported by local services were more likely to be provided with short breaks or respite than adult carers.