IF Nicola Sturgeon is serious about helping carers, why are she and the Scottish Government not raising the allowance now instead of promising to raise the allowance after an election victory (“Carer puts Sturgeon on the spot over ‘ridiculous cuts”, The Herald, October 29).

Are hard-pressed carers only political fodder for the coming election campaign? I am 73, and am now caring for a 94-year-old with vascular dementia. My day starts at 6.15 am and finishes about 8.45 pm. I get no carers allowance as I am over 65. However I do value the respite care, which is now only four weeks per year.

Heating and home laundry are expensive services. Ms Sturgeon should come along and see how we older carers cope. She will be made very welcome.

Margaret Lavery,

74 North Road, Johnstone.