The Scottish Government have successfully pushed through a 2.4% increase to carers allowance which will benefit 2500 carers in Largs and North Ayrshire.

Through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, the SNP Government last year increased financial support for Scotland’s 77,620 carers by 13% to the level of Jobseekers Allowance. This provided carers with an extra £221 in September and a further £221 in December last year.

As the Scottish Government further updates the supplement and Carer’s Allowance, for the first time carers in Scotland will get a higher level of support than is provided by Jobseekers Allowance, which is administered by Westminster. That Scottish carers will receive £452.40 extra this year; £226.20 in June and again in December. That is what Labour voted against.

Local MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “20 out of 21 Labour MSPs have voted against an SNP Government motion to increase Carer’s Allowance by 2.4%.

"I am shocked that Labour voted against an increase in financial support for carers.

“The SNP Government welcomes the immense contribution carers make to Scottish society by caring for family, friends and neighbours and hoped that all MSPs would show their support for carers.

“In the event, all but one Labour MSP opposed an increase in the financial support we provide to carers. That is on their conscience and it will be for them to answer for."