Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Suella Braverman and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 1st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Suella Fernandes (Fareham) (Con)]

T9. The reforms to family justice included in the Children and Families Act 2014 implemented by the coalition Government are bold and invaluable. However, as the president of the family division recently commented, care applications are rising and high-conflict divorce cases linger for too long in the system and cost far too much money. What steps are the Government taking to resolve this outstanding issue?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

Care applications are made only when a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. The rise in care applications requires a cross-system response, and we are working closely with a range of partners to establish its causes and mitigate its operational impacts. Conflict during divorce is often focused on children and the division of assets. Mediation can be a quicker alternative to court, and legal aid is available to eligible parties.