CLACKS carers should collect what they deserve, says an MSP after new figures showed nearly £2 million goes unclaimed in the county alone.

Labour Mid Scotland and Fife representative Alex Rowley says figures verified by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that across the country around 53,000 carers do not receive the Carer’s Allowance they are entitled to.

The deputy leader of Scottish Labour has called for a statutory duty to be introduced in the new Scottish social security agenda, making sure those in need of support get what they deserve.

He said: “£170 million of Carer’s Allowance hasn’t been collected by those that are entitled to it, I would like to see more done in Scotland to address this fact.

“A statutory duty to make sure any new agency in Scotland does all it can to ensure people get what they deserve will go a long way to helping carers who do such great work and often with little recognition.

“In Clackmannanshire alone, nearly £2 million goes unclaimed by carers who are entitled to it. We have an opportunity to make sure that with a new agency, more work is done to promote uptake of money that is there to help those that need it.

“I welcome the new powers that are coming to Scotland over social security and I hope that we can build a consensus across parliament to use the powers effectively for the people of Scotland.

“I hope with the changes we are seeking to make, carers across Clacks get the recognition they deserve.”