Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Virendra Sharma and Edward Timpson

Monday 19th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab)]

2. What steps her Department is taking to support grandparents and other kinship carers.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Mr Edward Timpson)]

We know the vital role many thousands of grandparents and other kinship carers play in looking after children who cannot be cared for by their birth parents. In 2011, we issued statutory guidance, “Family and Friends Care”, making it clear that every council must develop a publicly available policy that sets out its approach to assessment and the support available for children living with family and friends. We also fund a dedicated helpline and the increased use of family group conferences.

[Mr Sharma]

Before I ask my supplementary question, let me say that in my normal voice I could have sung “Happy birthday”, but I nevertheless wish you many happy returns of the day, Mr Speaker.

I thank the Minister for his response. With research showing that more than 80% of grandparents who become carers would like to stay in some form of work, what plans do the Government have to assist kinship carers in this area?

[Mr Timpson]

The hon. Gentleman’s point is a very important one in the lives of many grandparents, and I have recently discussed this issue with family groups that represent grandparents to see what more we can do. They were fruitful discussions. This is an area we need to look at, and I will continue to work with them.