More and better care for Scotland's carers has been delivered under the SNP Government as new figures show that more than 10,000 additional weeks of respite care - a key manifesto pledge - have been provided to Scotland's carers.

In 2006-07 163 640 weeks of respite were provided for Scotland's carers. In the last year that reached 203,360 weeks of valuable time out and support for the thousands of carers across the country as an extra 7,650 weeks were provided in one year.

While some of the increase is due to better recording of the information the SNP's target of 10,000 additional weeks has been delivered ahead of schedule.

Welcoming the news SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: "Scotland's carers now benefit from more than 10,000 additional weeks of respite care.

"This is great news for Scotland's carers and sees the SNP delivering on another manifesto pledge ahead of schedule.

"In 2007 we made a commitment to Scotland's carers that we would help and support them with additional respite care to improve the quality of their lives.

"We know how valuable that respite care is to people who in many cases devote their lives to caring for family members and friends and have worked together with carers and local authorities to ensure it is delivered.

"Scotland's carers do an immense job and we must support them as best we can."

Note:

1. Figures on respite care can be found here.