Unpaid carers in Renfrewshire and across Scotland are being pushed into poverty and poor health as almost half say they have cut back on essentials such as food and heating.
A major new report, State of Caring: The Cost of Caring in Scotland 2025, shows a sharp rise in the number of people providing unpaid care who are struggling financially, emotionally and physically. The findings were published to mark Carers Rights Day.
Carers Scotland says the picture has worsened over the past year, with many carers in Renfrewshire among those facing serious hardship as the cost of caring rises while support continues to fall short.
The survey found that 48% of unpaid carers have cut back on heating or food because of their caring role – a huge rise from 28% last year. One in five carers say they are struggling to make ends meet, and that figure climbs sharply for those on low incomes or relying on benefits such as Carer Support Payment or Universal Credit.
Debt is becoming a lifeline for many, with 35% of carers turning to credit cards, loans or overdrafts to cover basic costs. Parent carers are under particular strain, with 62% cutting back on essentials and 56% taking on debt.
The impact on health and wellbeing is severe. Two in five carers say their mental health is poor, and three in ten report poor physical health directly linked to their caring responsibilities. Many have reduced their working hours or given up paid employment, losing income at the same time as their costs rise.
Despite growing needs, half of unpaid carers say the number of hours they care has increased, while four in ten receive no social care support. Only 13% received a formal break from caring in the past year.
Carers Scotland says many people providing care are being left exhausted, isolated and financially insecure, with even long-term prospects affected as caring responsibilities reduce pension contributions and future financial stability.
There are around 627,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, including thousands in Renfrewshire. Research estimates the care they provide is worth £15.9 billion a year – equivalent to the entire budget of NHS Boards in Scotland – yet almost 28% of carers are living in poverty.
One survey respondent said: “I cannot afford to heat my home in winter and I struggle to eat healthy food. I have no social life as even buying a coffee is beyond my means.”
Another added: “My mental health is shattered. I feel on the verge of a breakdown all the time.”
A third said: “My pension contributions are shot to pieces. I went bankrupt because of my caring role.”
The charity says urgent action is needed to stop carers falling further into hardship and to make sure they have access to the support, breaks and financial security they need.