In February 2016 67,580 individuals received Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Statistics. The number of people eligible for the increased Carer’s Allowance will be the number of people receiving Carer’s Allowance when the increase is implemented.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-02657 on 28 September 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Spend on Carer’s Allowance will be demand led, which means the Scottish Government commits to meeting the costs of every valid claim made in each and every year.

Total expenditure on increased Carer’s Allowance will depend on when the increase is implemented and the number of people receiving Carer’s Allowance at that point in time.

No decisions have yet been made about the operation of the new integrated Best Start Grant or the provision of Healthy Start Vouchers. This includes decisions on eligibility. We are considering a number of options and are consulting widely with people who have experience of the benefits and other interest groups. As part of our consultation on the Future of Social Security in Scotland, which closes on 28 October 2016, we are seeking views on the integration of Healthy Start into the new Best Start Grant.

Implementing reforms to existing benefits requires a large-scale programme of transition, legislation and implementation. As part of this programme, a timetable for the commencement of the relevant sections of the 2016 Scotland Act, will be agreed by Scottish Ministers and UK Government Ministers, via the forum of the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare. Further announcements on future social security policy and delivery will be made at an appropriate stage.