Children in Care: Illegal Accommodation

Baroness Pitkeathley Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

That, again, is an important point. The collection of data is critical, and local authorities need to submit that data annually. However, data is only as good as its interpretation and use. I am afraid that, although we have much data, we do not focus on what it is telling us and what we can do to bring improvements. That will be our focus going forward.

[Baroness Pitkeathley (Lab)]

My Lords, my noble friend mentioned the importance of foster parents and their significance in this area. Prospective foster parents often complain about the length of time it takes to be both approved and recruited. Is there any way of speeding up the process, while of course maintaining necessary due diligence?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

Generally speaking, in trying to analyse why the number of foster carers has dropped, it is around the general areas of support, which are so important. Of course, when people make such a life-changing decision, they want to get on with it, but it is absolutely paramount that this be done in a supportive way, making sure that all aspects are considered, and that potential foster carers are fully apprised of what they are embarking on and where the support is to help them in that journey.