CHILDREN who care for their parents could be issued with special ID cards so they can get prescriptions on their behalf.

The move, which is set to be introduced in South Ayrshire aims to make life easier for young carers who look after older relatives.

Councillor Hugh Hunter lodged a motion with the council for young carers go get ID cards for a number of uses.

His motion said: “In response to concerns raised by young carers, council requests officers to develop proposals to introduce Authorisation Cards for young carers and bring the paper to the June 2019 council meeting.”

Conservative Councillor Hunter said: “It is something we should have done years ago. Young people encounter difficulties in representing the interests and wellbeing of the people they care for and being taken seriously.”

He added: “You can understand why pharmacists may be reluctant to give a young child medication. “Use in pharmacies is just one example of where it could make a difference.”

He said ID would also be useful in talking to officials such as housing officers or social workers It was passed unanimously at full council.

Councillor Hunter said other politicians made positive comments about the scheme at the meeting. The policy has previously been implemented in Fife.