Welfare reforms could be behind a massive upsurge in the number of carers seeking support in Dundee, it has been claimed.
The Dundee Carers Centre received 1,472 referrals in 2015-15, a 41% increase on the year before.
It is thought controversial welfare reforms, such as the move from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments, may be responsible for part of that increase as more people find themselves struggling to cope financially.
Carers who rely on benefits such as income support or Jobseeker’s Allowance are being switched to Universal credit as part of the reforms.
The government has said no carers will lose out on money because top-up payments will be made.
However, this protection only lasts as long as there are no changes in the carer’s circumstances.
For example, if the person being cared for recovered enough to work but then relapsed, there is no guarantee the same amount as before would be paid.
Gary Bell from Dundee Carers Centre said: “2014-15 saw a 41% rise in referrals to 1,472, which could be down to a range of factors,
“It could be the impact from welfare reforms, and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation shows that Dundee has a higher proportion of people living with a disability than elsewhere.”
Yesterday was Carers’ Rights Day, which aims to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by carers and to publicise the support available for those who have to look after a relative or friend.
Each year across the UK more than £800 million of benefits available to carers go unclaimed.
Dundee Carers Centre marked yesterday by arranging a series of workshops and talks about the issues and challenges faced by both carers and people with disabilities with subjects including powers of attorney, guardianship, the benefit of making wills and changes to welfare.
Dundee Carers Centre was set up in 1989 to support unpaid carers in their caring roles.
The centre also supports disabled people though its self-directed support and welfare rights teams.
It also helps carers take short breaks so they can enjoy a holiday away from their responsibilities.
Statistics released in January showed that more than two-thirds of carers will not get a holiday this year.
The charity has recently moved into new premises at Seagate House.