Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Josh MacAlister and Mike Reader

Monday 14th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mike Reader (Northampton South) (Lab)]

13. What plans she has to ensure consistent financial support for kinship carers in local authority areas outside kinship zones pilot areas.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)]

Part of the kinship zones pilot is testing an allowance equivalent to the fostering allowance alongside a robust impact evaluation, but we are not waiting for that evaluation to improve England’s approach to kinship care. Our Families First reforms are unlocking the potential of kin-based care across the country through family group decision making by default, and practical support through family network support packages.

[Mike Reader]

Will the Minister join me in thanking kinship carers in Northampton and across all our constituencies who give children a stable and loving home? Outside the seven zones that the Minister mentioned, funding is still means-tested. Will he therefore commit to publishing interim findings before the end of the pilot in 2029 so that families have an answer on parity before the next general election?

[Josh MacAlister]

I will. I would also like to pass on and share my thanks for all the amazing kinship carers we have across the country. Outside kinship zones, a number of councils are showing that they can take steps to go further than others, and Plymouth city council, Sheffield city council and North Tyneside council are great examples of that.