| Ms Robison announced the provision of 10,000 extra respite weeks over the next three years. This year will see 2000 extra weeks, there will be a further 4000 by 2009/2010 and the 10,000 extra weeks will be available by 2010/11, she said.
The minister told the Evening Telegraph that while the extra weeks may not fulfil everything carers desire, they could be seen as “a down payment” — a recognition of the important role they play and their vital contribution to society.
She said details of the contribution to be made by individual councils towards the 10,000 week total will be thrashed out between the local authorities and Cosla.
The announcement was broadly welcomed by Dundee City Council’s Convener of Social Work and Health Helen Wright. |
