Open Letter to Parliamentary candidates ahead of 2026 election

Fife Carers Centre has today written to every parliamentary candidate standing in Fife ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election 2026, calling on them to make clear their commitments to unpaid carers.

The open letter, written on behalf of unpaid carers across Fife, was shaped by responses to our recent survey in which carers described exhaustion, financial stress, declining health and deepening isolation. Many spoke of feeling invisible within the very systems they help to sustain.

The number of unpaid carers seeking support from Fife Carers Centre grew by 47% in 2025 alone. Behind that figure are thousands of people across Fife providing care for a partner, parent, child, relative or friend facing illness, disability or the challenges of ageing.

The letter asks candidates five direct questions covering financial support for carers, access to respite, employment rights, sustainable funding for third sector organisations, and meaningful recognition within NHS services.

All candidates have been invited to respond. We will be publishing their responses in full and sharing them directly with carers across Fife.

You can read the full letter below.