AQW 29541/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 30/06/2025
Answered On Date: 01/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he will commit to the introduction of a Young Carers Covenant that agrees to deliver a fair future for all young carers and young adult carers, in line with Carers Trust ten outcomes and as adopted by the Scottish Government, Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care.

Answer:

My Department fully recognises the vital role of young carers and remains committed to supporting young carers wherever possible. However, many of the challenges faced by young carers extend beyond the remit of health and social care. A Covenant of the kind proposed would involve cross-departmental consideration and require the input and agreement of other Executive Ministers.

Whilst my Department cannot solely commit to introducing a Young Carers Covenant, I have asked my officials to raise this matter for discussion at the next Supporting Carers Senior Officials Cross Departmental Group, with appropriate involvement of young carers.