People in Abergavenny are being warned of a scam targeting those who are due to receive the Welsh Government’s £500 payment for unpaid carers which was announced earlier this month.

More than 1,000 unpaid carers in Monmouthshire are due to receive the one-off payment which will not be taxable, subject to National Insurance contributions or included as income when calculating entitlement for tax credits.

Unpaid carers who are receiving Carer’s Allowance on March 31st this year will be eligible and will be able to submit their claim to Monmouthshire County Council later this spring.

Local elections candidate Kyle Eldridge, who is standing for the town council in Abergavenny’s Park Ward, said: “I think it is appalling that scammers are targeting unpaid carers who have gone above and beyond to care for family or friends during the pandemic. The Welsh Government has this week issued a warning about this awful behaviour by scammers.

“These payments are part of a £29m investment in unpaid carers by the Welsh Labour Government in recognition of the financial and emotional hardship many have experienced during the pandemic. The £500 payment is also designed to go some way to offer support during this cost-of-living crisis.

“So if you are contacted by someone asking you to share your bank details, please don’t. You will be able to submit a claim to Monmouthshire County Council later this year and more details about the scheme will be made available soon.”