Scottish Carer's Assistance: discussion paper

Annex A: How the aims link to the Carers Strategic Policy Statement and National Outcomes

Our vision, set out in the draft Carers Strategic Policy Statement is that carers 'are supported on a consistent basis to allow them to continue caring, if that is their wish, in good health and wellbeing, allowing for a life of their own outside of caring.' In line with the Statement, we will also make sure in developing Scottish Carer's Assistance, that 'carers' needs are understood, and they are not excluded or discriminated against by virtue of their caring role.'

The three aims we are proposing in this consultation are based on evidence and designed to contribute particularly to four of the six draft outcomes in the Statement. These outcomes are:

1. People who provide unpaid care are supported to look after their own health and wellbeing, including to reduce any negative impact of their caring role on their own health and wellbeing.

2. Carers access the financial support and assistance they are entitled to.

3. Carers are able to take up or maintain meaningful employment alongside caring.

4. Carers can participate in and are valued by their community and wider society.

Work to develop, deliver and improve Scottish Carer's Assistance will also contribute to a fifth outcome from the Statement, that 'carers' voices are heard and their views and experiences are taken into account in decisions which affect them'.

The Carers Strategic Policy Statement vision and draft outcomes will also contribute to the following National Outcomes as set out in the National Performance Framework^[37]:

• We are healthy and active.
• We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe.
• We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination.
• We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.
• We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society.
• We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally.
• We have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone.

Scottish Carer's Assistance will also be designed and delivered in line with our social security principles as set out in the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 and Our Charter, as well as the principles set out in the Carers Strategic Policy Statement. These are set out below.

Social Security principles

1. Social security is an investment in the people of Scotland

2. Social security is itself a human right and essential to the realisation of other human rights

3. The delivery of social security is a public service

4. Respect for the dignity of individuals is to be at the heart of the Scottish social security system

5. The Scottish social security system is to contribute to reducing poverty in Scotland

6. The Scottish social security system is to be designed with the people of Scotland on the basis of evidence

7. Opportunities are to be sought to continuously improve the Scottish social security system in ways which — (i) put the needs of those who require assistance first, and (ii) advance equality and non-discrimination,

8. The Scottish social security system is to be efficient and deliver value for money.

Carers Strategic Policy Statement: Principles

We should:

• Prioritise preventative support to help prevent problems developing
• Enable choice and control so that support can be personalised.

Responsibility for delivering policies to support carers is shared with partners, across the statutory and third sector. Close collaboration and partnership working, with the same overall vision, outcomes and approach in mind, is vital to ensure carers receive the support they rightly deserve.