Financial pressure on unpaid carers in East Kilbride is "unsustainable", according to the town's MP whose constituency has more than 10,500.
Dr Lisa Cameron's claim comes after a UK-wide survey of 3,300 unpaid carers was carried out, revealing that just under half (45 per cent) of unpaid carers are currently unable to manage their monthly expenses.
With the rise in the cost of living, carers in Scotland can seek support by applying for a Carers Allowance Supplement, but many remain deeply concerned about being able to afford their monthly expenses.
A further worry is that just under half (46 per cent) of the carers surveyed by Carers UK last month also feel the oncoming increases in energy bills will negatively affect their own physical and mental health or that of the person they care for.
Many said they were having to take difficult steps to manage their monthly expenses.
More than half (58 per cent) have cut back on heating and 14 per cent have already fallen into arrears with their energy bills.
In the months ahead 42 per cent thought that they would not be able to heat their home to a safe level. And 32 per cent are worried they will have to use a food bank.
The findings come as the charity launches its Under Pressure campaign.
Unpaid carers often face additional costs associated with needing to keep those they care for safe, providing extra care, nutrition, and support.
It is common to have higher energy costs when caring for someone who is unwell or frail, to keep them warm, and to help manage their condition. Special equipment may be needed which can be costly to run and food bills higher because of nutritional requirements they may need.
Transport costs can also be higher because the person cared for is less able to walk or needs to be accompanied to many different medical appointments.
Costs for carers have been further compounded as day care and other services and support outside the home have closed or been greatly reduced since the start of the pandemic and millions of families continue to provide essential extra care.
Almost half of carers surveyed were worried that the increases in energy bills will lead to significant financial hardship.
Carers receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Element of Universal Credit were often under more financial pressure.
Three quarters (75 per cent) were worried that the increases in energy bills will lead to significant financial hardship. A quarter (24 per cent) are already using food banks to help them manage their finances.
Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) are cutting back on heating and a third (33 per cent) have already fallen into arrears with their utility bills. Over half (55 per cent) are worried that increased energy bills will mean they have to cut back on food.
The cost of living has been increasing for everyone across the UK since early 2021, but in December 2021 inflation reached its highest recorded level since 1992 at 5.2 per cent.
Commenting on the figures, Dr Cameron said: "There are over 10,500 unpaid carers in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, many of whom are under unsustainable financial pressure due to the rise in the cost of living.
"To ensure carers are supported during this extremely difficult time, I fully support Carers UK calling on the UK Government to increase Carer’s Allowance and other benefits in line with current inflation predictions for April 2022 and immediately extend the Warm Home Discount to ensure that it includes carers in recognition of the predicted rise in energy bills."
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