In July 2025, the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 introduced a new Right to Breaks for unpaid carers. This new legislation aims to make sure carers can get the time away from caring that they need to rest, look after their wellbeing, and maintain their own lives.
The Scottish Government is now consulting on how this new right should work in practice. They want to hear from carers about the rules and guidance that will shape how the right is delivered across Scotland.
We are hosting a series of informal online discussion sessions where carers can learn about the proposals and share their views. You can read the consultation in full here. You do not need to read the consultation document beforehand to take part in the discussions. We will go through what the consultation document is asking and create space for you to discuss the various questions.
The consultation is asking for views on four key areas:
- what counts as “sufficient breaks” from caring
- what types of breaks should be included
- whether there should be timescales for preparing support plans for carers
- how the system should move from the current approach to the new right to breaks
What our discussion sessions will cover
Session 1: What does “sufficient breaks” mean?
(Thursday 12th March)
The new right says that if a carer is not getting “sufficient breaks from caring”, they should be able to receive support to help them take a break.
To make decisions more consistent across Scotland, the Scottish Government is proposing a national definition of “sufficient breaks.” Local authorities would use this definition to decide whether a carer is getting enough time away from caring and what support they may need.
The proposed definition says breaks should give carers enough time to:
- rest and have leisure time
- maintain relationships and life balance
- avoid negative impacts on their health and wellbeing
- achieve their personal outcomes
In this session we will discuss whether this definition makes sense to carers and reflects real life, and whether it should be improved.
Session 2: What types of breaks should count?
(Wednesday 1 April)
The consultation also asks whether there should be a clear list of the types of support that count as a short break.
For example, breaks might include:
- day support for the person you care for
- overnight or residential respite
- activities that give carers time away from caring
Scottish Government wants to know:
- whether a list of recognised types of breaks would be helpful
- and whether there are any types of support that should not be considered a short break
Session 3: Timescales for preparing Carer Support Plans
(Thursday 23 April)
Carers usually need an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) or Young Carer Statement (YCS) before support (including breaks) can be arranged.
Currently, there is no set timescale for preparing these plans. This can sometimes lead to delays, which may have a negative impact on carers.
Scottish Government is asking whether there should be clear timescales in law for preparing these plans so that support decisions happen more quickly and consistently across Scotland.
In this session we will discuss whether timescales would help carers and what reasonable timescales might look like.
Session 4: Moving to the new system
(Thursday 30 April)
The final part of the consultation looks at how to move from the current system to the new right to breaks.
The Scottish Government is proposing a phased approach. This could mean that:
- local authorities would have 2 or 3 years to review the support plans of carers who are already receiving support
- by the end of that period, all carers would have been assessed under the new rules
They are also considering an interim definition of “sufficient breaks” when the right first starts. This would focus support initially on carers experiencing the most significant impacts from their caring role, while services adapt to increased demand.
In this session we will discuss whether this approach feels fair and practical for carers.
How to book a place for the discussion sessions
All sessions will take place online via Zoom. You do not need to read the consultation paper or prepare anything in advance to take part. You are welcome to attend any of the sessions. Simply click the registration link for the session(s) you would like to join, and the Zoom joining details will be automatically emailed to you when you register.
Session 1 – Defining “Sufficient Breaks”
📅 Date: Thursday 12 March
🕒 Time: 10am – 1130am
📍 Online
🔗 Register here
Session 2 – What Types of Breaks Should Count
📅 Date: Wednesday 1 April
🕒 Time: 10am – 1130am
📍 Online
🔗 Register here
Session 3 – Timescales for Carer Support Plans
📅 Date: Thursday 23 April
🕒 Time: 10am – 1130am
📍 Online
🔗 Register here
Session 4 – Moving to the New Right to Breaks
📅 Date: Thursday 30 April
🕒 Time: 10am – 1130am
📍 Online
🔗 Register here
