Children and Young Persons

The Labour party opposes these regulations due to significant changes that relax statutory protections for children in care, including reduced visitation requirements and optional independent panels. These could lead to negative outcomes such as higher risk of abuse and poorer educational attainment.

Multiple members rose to speak but their contributions are not detailed in the provided text.

While not opposing the regulations outright, Tim Loughton questions the lack of consultation with key organisations such as the Children’s Commissioner, British Association of Social Workers, and Ofsted. He highlights that these important regulations came into effect on 24 April without following normal conventions about a 21-day rule for scrutiny.

Munira Wilson rose to speak but her contribution was cut off, so no position is available in the given text.

Expresses concern over emergency regulations introduced for vulnerable children during the pandemic. Questions why these measures were necessary only in England, pointing to potential issues with social worker absences, capacity, and reprioritisation of resources. Asks for details on how current vacancy rates affect service provision and raises concerns about the impact of county lines gangs exploiting the situation. Emphasises the importance of checks and balances, especially when dealing with vulnerable children who cannot provide scrutiny themselves.

McCabe expressed concerns over reduced safeguards for children's services during the pandemic, questioning the logic behind fewer safeguards compared to adult services. He also inquired about the removal of six-monthly reviews and senior-level approval for out-of-area placements, suggesting these measures might lead to further privatisation of children’s services.

Rodda echoed concerns raised by his colleagues regarding the administration of vulnerable people's services during a crisis. He argued that this statutory instrument was part of a broader mishandling of issues related to children, which reflects poorly on the Government.

McCabe reiterated his scepticism about the temporary nature of these emergency regulations and asked for more transparency from the Minister regarding future plans after 25 September.

Simmonds defended the measures as reasonable and proportionate during a national emergency. He highlighted that the regulations aim to reduce burdens on foster carers while maintaining necessary requirements, potentially increasing the speed of placements for vulnerable children.

The number of looked-after children continues to rise; there were over 78,000 children in care nationally last year, a 4% rise on the previous year and a shocking 30% rise since 2010. In my home city of Liverpool, there are nearly 1,500 vulnerable children in care who need these protections, including 115 unaccompanied child asylum seekers—double the rate of the national percentage. This represents a rise on last year, with additional numbers coming under the protection of social services during this pandemic.

I want to reflect on this matter from the point of view of some work that I did last year. I spent some time training with foster care leavers and one thing that came across to me was the fact that they had several parts to their personality—this is not just a broad-brush thing. There was immense ambition and an immense wish to have a normal life, but the problem was that, often, the confidence was not there. They felt let down and abandoned, which means that the challenge for the system is to ensure that there is a consistency in their lives and an ability for their lives to move.

The hon. Gentleman talks about the machinery. Indeed, the Children’s Commissioner has expressed concern that the starting point for these regulations is to ease pressure on services, rather than to think about what is right for the child in front of those services. These are the most vulnerable children—even more vulnerable at a time like this.

We have come so far with children’s rights, why are we going backwards? Those are not my words. They are the words of Charlotte, a 19-year-old care leaver. I start with those words because it is young people in care and those entering care who are directly affected by this legislation and yet it is the same young people who have been denied a say, as their rights have been ripped away. They were not consulted.

I am pleased to address the vital topic of child protection and social care, emphasising that the proposed regulations will undermine safeguarding protections for vulnerable children without sufficient justification or parliamentary scrutiny. The regulations are unnecessary and could harm children's rights. In contrast to England, Wales has issued guidance allowing local authorities to innovate while meeting statutory duties in children’s social care. I urge the Minister to reconsider these sweeping changes to foster care that cause concern among professionals.

I support the initial intentions of the regulations but argue they have fallen short, particularly in terms of contact between social workers and children. I highlight a teacher's proactive efforts to maintain connections with vulnerable students during lockdown as an example that applies equally to social workers. The removal of statutory duties for direct contact undermines support for foster families and newly-placed adopters who face increased isolation and stress due to the pandemic.

The Minister has not addressed questions about the children affected by changes made during the pandemic.

Asked why standards for children are lesser than those for adults under statutory duties easing, and suggested publishing data on local authorities that use easements to scrutinise their actions.

The regulations were introduced to prepare for potential staff absences and increased demand on services due to the pandemic, ensuring minimal delays in adoption or fostering processes. Flexibilities include allowing temporary foster carers who are properly assessed and providing more time for local authorities to respond to formal reports. The scope for consultation was limited but views of organisations influenced the regulations. The annual limit of 75 days for short-break placements remains intact despite suggestions otherwise, and social workers must continue to meet statutory timescales or justify deviations under strict scrutiny. Decisions on placing a child outside their local area are still subject to thorough assessment by the local authority.

Called for clarity in voting and informed Members that a Division would be held on Motion 5 regarding the Order Paper. Emphasised the need for clear communication during the voting process to ensure accurate recording of votes.