Local Scottish Conservative General Election candidate Lee Lyons is calling for more help for South Ayrshire carers.
Mr Lyons, who is challenging for the Scottish Conservatives in the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency, said:
“More than 660,000 people across Scotland act as unpaid carers – thousands of them here in Ayrshire – and I believe it’s time action was taken to strengthen their rights”.
“Research shows that nearly four out of every ten carers have not had time off from their caring responsibilities lasting longer than two days. It’s time that Scotland’s carers were given the break they need and deserve”.
“That’s why I'm calling for an annual guarantee of a fully-funded week of respite for people caring for more than 50 hours a week”.
“Although not every carer would choose to take this annual week’s break, every single carer assessed as being eligible should be guaranteed to be able to do so. Carers are the unsung heroes of our society – of that there is no question. Without their dedication our public services would collapse under the weight of so many demands, and that’s why it’s so important we do more to give them the support they need. I believe an annual guarantee of a fully-funded week’s respite is one practical way this support could be given and, if I am elected as the Member of Parliament for the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency, I will campaign strongly for that guarantee to be given.”