Latest news with #KaukabStewart
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Eye-watering sum Scottish Government spent on empty rooms for refugees revealed
More than 28,000 people with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the UK so far EMPTY ROOM BILL Eye-watering sum Scottish Government spent on empty rooms for refugees revealed THE Scottish Government has spent up to £75million on empty hotel rooms for Ukrainian refugees, we can reveal. Figures show £294million of taxpayers' cash has been used to reserve shelter for those fleeing Russia's invasion since 2022. Advertisement 1 Scottish Tory shadow housing minister Meghan Gallacher called the bill 'eye-watering' Credit: Alamy But between 10 and 25 per cent of rooms were unoccupied at any given time, suggesting £30million to £75million has been wasted. Scottish Tory shadow housing minister Meghan Gallacher called the bill 'eye-watering'. She added: 'Like thousands of Scots, vulnerable Ukrainians are being forced to live in temporary accommodation because of SNP ministers' failure to build enough homes. 'That's unfair on them and unfair on taxpayers.' Advertisement The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has sparked a major humanitarian crisis. And more than 28,000 people with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the UK so far. The administration refused to name the hotel companies over 'potential risks' if the information became 'public knowledge'. But the 'vast majority of this money' was paid to a firm called Corporate Travel Management which organises accommodation and contracts. Advertisement A whopping £144million was paid out 2022-23, more than £108million in 2023-24, and almost £40million in 2024-25. Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: 'Providing support and sanctuary to people fleeing Russia's illegal war against Ukraine continues to be a priority.' The Sun tracks down Ukrainian mother and child pictured fleeing Putin's war on our front page A Government spokesman said: 'Welcome accommodation occupancy rates were inevitably subject to daily fluctuations as some individuals left while others entered accommodation.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
People making a new claim for Carer Support Payment due extra £293 lump sum
The qualifying date for the December payment of Carer's Allowance Supplement is October 13. Unpaid carers across Scotland are being urged to find out if they are eligible for additional financial support through Carer Support Payment, Carer's Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant. Carer's Allowance Supplement - a payment only available north of the border - was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution. The first £293.50 payment of the year was issued to more than 90,000 carers in June with the next lump sum due to land in bank accounts before Christmas. The payment of £293.50 is issued twice each year and gives those on Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment the potential to earn £4,475 over the 2025/26 financial year. The payment is issued by Social Security Scotland to people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on a specific date. Only carers in Scotland are eligible for the December payment if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on October 13, 2025. It's important to be aware that the £293.50 Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid separately from any benefit payment from Social Security Scotland or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Carers eligible for the payment will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made, although this may arrive after the money has landed in accounts. Nobody needs to apply for the extra money as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible. On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs last month, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: 'Social security in Scotland isn't about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government. We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we're making. 'We introduced Carer's Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it. We're also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 'Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It's a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.' Carer Support Payment Carer Support Payment is the devolved equivalent to Carer's Allowance and is worth £83.30 per week to people providing 35 hours of unpaid care to family, friends or neighbours in receipt of a qualifying disability benefit. The payment is typically issued every four weeks which amounts to £333.20. The weekly earnings threshold is £196 - equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum Wage. Am I eligible for Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is money you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria. You must: be 16 or over usually live in Scotland provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses The person you care for must already get one of these benefits: Adult Disability Payment – daily living component Child Disability Payment – middle or highest rate care component Pension Age Disability Payment Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment – daily living component Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest rate care component Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest rate care component Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment The type of care you provide To get Carer Support Payment, you must provide care for someone as an unpaid carer for 35 hours or more a week. It cannot be care you provide: as a professional care worker through a volunteering scheme or charity Even if you do not think of yourself as an unpaid carer, you might be eligible for Carer Support Payment. Examples of caring for someone include supporting them: with their mental health during an illness with a disability if they have an addiction Supporting someone with their mental health If you provide care for someone with a mental health condition, you might: comfort them during a panic attack stay close by so they do not feel alone support them through a crisis make sure they're safe keep them company Supporting someone with an illness or disability If you provide care for someone with an illness or disability, you might support them with: getting around getting dressed taking medicines using the shower or toilet cooking meals food shopping translating The person you provide care for You might provide care for: someone in your family a friend a neighbour You do not have to live with them or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, you are not entitled to extra payments. You can check if you are eligible for Carer Support Payment and find full details on the devolved benefit on the website here.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
People making a new claim for carer benefit also due £293 extra payment before Christmas
The qualifying date for the December payment of Carer's Allowance Supplement is October 13. Unpaid carers across Scotland are being urged to find out if they are eligible for additional financial support through Carer Support Payment, Carer's Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant. Carer's Allowance Supplement - a payment only available north of the border - was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution. The first £293.50 payment of the year was issued to more than 90,000 carers in June with the next lump sum due to land in bank accounts before Christmas. The payment of £293.50 is issued twice each year and gives those on Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment the potential to earn £4,475 over the 2025/26 financial year. The payment is issued by Social Security Scotland to people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on a specific date. Only carers in Scotland are eligible for the December payment if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on October 13, 2025. It's important to be aware that the £293.50 Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid separately from any benefit payment from Social Security Scotland or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Carers eligible for the payment will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made, although this may arrive after the money has landed in accounts. Nobody needs to apply for the extra money as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible. On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs last month, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: 'Social security in Scotland isn't about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government. We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we're making. 'We introduced Carer's Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it. We're also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 'Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It's a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.' Carer Support Payment Carer Support Payment is the devolved equivalent to Carer's Allowance and is worth £83.30 per week to people providing 35 hours of unpaid care to family, friends or neighbours in receipt of a qualifying disability benefit. The payment is typically issued every four weeks which amounts to £333.20. The weekly earnings threshold is £196 - equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum Wage. Am I eligible for Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is money you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria. You must: be 16 or over usually live in Scotland provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses The person you care for must already get one of these benefits: Adult Disability Payment – daily living component Child Disability Payment – middle or highest rate care component Pension Age Disability Payment Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment – daily living component Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest rate care component Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest rate care component Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment The type of care you provide To get Carer Support Payment, you must provide care for someone as an unpaid carer for 35 hours or more a week. It cannot be care you provide: as a professional care worker through a volunteering scheme or charity Even if you do not think of yourself as an unpaid carer, you might be eligible for Carer Support Payment. Examples of caring for someone include supporting them: with their mental health during an illness with a disability if they have an addiction Supporting someone with their mental health If you provide care for someone with a mental health condition, you might: comfort them during a panic attack stay close by so they do not feel alone support them through a crisis make sure they're safe keep them company Supporting someone with an illness or disability If you provide care for someone with an illness or disability, you might support them with: getting around getting dressed taking medicines using the shower or toilet cooking meals food shopping translating The person you provide care for You might provide care for: someone in your family a friend a neighbour You do not have to live with them or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, you are not entitled to extra payments. You can check if you are eligible for Carer Support Payment and find full details on the devolved benefit on the website here.
The National
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
SNP minister hits out at Labour Government's welfare cuts
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart's comments came as she launched the Scottish Government's Disability Equality Plan in Glasgow on Friday, a report which aims to put disabled people's experiences and concerns at the centre of policymaking. The plan – which has been in the making since 2016 – looks to improve access to mental health, advice and support services, as well as funding training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people. READ MORE: Independent MPs table amendment to scrap 'disgusting' welfare bill It also sets out plans to have an annual "Cabinet Takeover", where disabled people will be given a "direct platform" to speak to ministers. As she launched the review, Stewart said she was "firmly opposed" to the UK Government's approach, as she called on Labour to "follow our lead" and protect the welfare system "rather than dismantling it". "At a time when the UK Government's welfare reforms appear to be driven more by cost cutting than by compassion, and balancing the books at the expense of disabled people, let me be frank: Scotland will not, by any means, mirror that approach," she said at the launch. The Labour Government is preparing to push through its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which – among other things – would change the eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit. The UK Government's own analysis has found that the cuts would push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children. Speaking to The National, Stewart reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to a welfare system based on the principles of "dignity, fairness and respect". She said: "In Scotland, we're very proud that we support the social model when it comes to addressing disabled people. "That means that we work very hard to make sure that the environment and the society that they live within – the barriers lie there, we have to limit those barriers, and that includes providing welfare support." READ MORE: BBC issues correction after Debate Night 'bias' on eve of by-election She added that the UK Government's approach "appears to be doing the opposite, by making even further hurdles and undignified and demeaning processes to put off disabled people from claiming what is actually their right". "If you look at Personal Independence Payments, for example, those are very demeaning processes," Stewart continued. "Often disabled people have long-term conditions, they shouldn't have to go through those additional and humiliating experiences to explain time and time again. "Where's the dignity in that?" Stewart said the Scottish Government was "not following that model". She said: "We believe in empowerment, we believe in supporting all of our citizens, and that includes disabled people. "The UK Government should do the same." Labour are facing anger from MPs on both sides of the benches over the cuts, with a significant number of their own MPs set to oppose them. Meanwhile, on Thursday evening, Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigned from her position as a Government whip over the planned cuts, which she said were not "part of the solution" to the growing welfare bill. MPs are set to debate the UK Government's welfare proposals on July 1.
The National
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government launches Disability Equality Plan
The Disability Equality Report, published on Friday, sets out a series of actions to improve access to services and disabled representation within government. Backed by £2.5 million in funding, the plan looks to improve access to mental health, advice and support services, as well as funding training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people. READ MORE: Scottish Government removes WhatsApp from all official devices It also sets out plans to have an annual "Cabinet Takeover", where disabled people will be given a "direct platform" to speak to ministers. The plan – which has been in the making since 2016 – was developed alongside several Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs), including Disability Equality Scotland, Inclusion Scotland and Glasgow Disability Alliance. Speaking at an event to launch the report in Glasgow on Friday, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said the plan marked a "significant milestone" and was "shaped by the lived experiences of disabled people". (Image: NQ) "Scotland should be a place where every single disabled person can live a life of their choice with the support that they need to do that," she said. "It should be a place where everyone can participate fully in society, access their rights, seize opportunities and thrive in their communities. "Our investment is rooted in dignity, fairness and the belief that disabled people should be supported as citizens whose rights and contributions matter." Kaukab added: "This plan is not the end – it's the beginning. A progress report in 2026 will inform the next phase of our long term strategy. READ MORE: Experts warn Labour set to hike taxes as borrowing hits record figure "It's a clear signal of intent, a commitment to listen, to act, to pursue that lasting change in partnership with disabled people." Heather Fisken, CEO of Inclusion Scotland, said: 'This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if it there is accountability of delivery. "We want this accountability to be led by disabled peoples' organisations and disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.' Lyn Pornaro, CEO of Disability Equality Scotland, said: 'This shows the power of disabled peoples' campaigning, and is a step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver justice for disabled people will continue. "This includes making sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people – that requires investing in our communities and including services – not cutting the support we rely on.' Tressa Burke, CEO of Glasgow Disability Alliance, said: 'This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for responding positively. "But it is a small step, when we need big leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled peoples' lives to deliver dignity and justice."
