A CARERS’ charity has welcomed Scottish Budget proposals for a £5 million boost to short breaks funding.

The uplift would mean that total funding for the voluntary sector’s Short Breaks Fund in Scotland would rise to £13m in 2025/26, potentially allowing 15,000 more people to take a short time out from their responsibilities as an unpaid carer.

SNP Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “This additional funding recognises the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and I am pleased we can support even more unpaid carers to look after their own health and wellbeing.