Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether a person is able to stay overnight at another residence to assist a vulnerable relative while that relative’s spouse is in hospital under the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown restrictions; and what plans he has to ensure that people are able to provide care in a vulnerable relative's home after 2 December 2020 under a new tiered system of restrictions.

Under the November 2020 COVID-19 lockdown regulations, carers can arrange for friends or family to care for a vulnerable or disabled person that they usually look after as a form of respite care. If a carer needs a break, or to receive medical treatment, they can arrange for a friend or family member to come into the home of the person who needs care, to stay and provide care overnight. This arrangement is permissible if it is reasonably necessary for the purpose of respite care to be provided for the person being cared for.

Cabinet Office guidance published on GOV.UK sets out further information on the permitted reasons for an overnight stay during the November 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. The Government is keeping this guidance under constant review, and any changes to this guidance will be announced in due course.