A recent report has shed light on the invaluable efforts of unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire, revealing that they contribute significantly to the economy. According to the findings by Carers Scotland and the Centre for Care, unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire alone save the economy £1.1 billion annually. The report estimates the overall value of unpaid carers in Scotland to be a staggering £15.9 billion, based on data from Scotland’s Census 2022. This marks a substantial 19.4% increase in the contribution of unpaid carers since 2011.
The research highlights the growing trend of Scotland’s unpaid carer population, with both the number of unpaid carers and the intensity of care they provide on the rise. These unpaid carers play a crucial role in society by offering care and support to family members, friends, and neighbours who rely on their assistance. It is projected that two-thirds of all individuals in Scotland will undertake an unpaid caring role at some point in their lives.
Carers Scotland and the Centre for Care emphasize the significant value that unpaid carers bring to the health and social care system, stating that they are essential to its functioning. The report, titled ‘Valuing Carers: 2022, Scotland’, presents a series of recommendations aimed at better supporting unpaid carers. These include the necessity for increased investment in social care and respite for carers by the Scottish Government, improved financial assistance for unpaid carers, and the implementation of a new duty on health services to promote carers’ health and wellbeing.
Director of Carers Scotland, Richard Meade, acknowledged the pivotal role that unpaid carers play, stressing that without them, the health and social care system would collapse. The report launch coincided with Carers Rights Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about carers’ rights and the support they are entitled to receive.
Professor Matt Bennett from the Centre for Care at the University of Birmingham led the research, underscoring the growing economic value of unpaid care in Scotland. He highlighted that the £15.9 billion contribution surpasses the NHS budget for Scotland in 2022/2023. The report’s findings underscore the indispensable savings that unpaid carers generate for healthcare budgets, indicating that without them, the health and social care systems would struggle to function effectively.
In conclusion, the report sheds light on the immeasurable contribution of unpaid carers in South Lanarkshire and across Scotland. It serves as a reminder of the essential role these individuals play in supporting their communities and underlines the pressing need for increased support and recognition of their efforts.