House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Children’s Social Care Update
14 July 2020 · Department for Education
Proposed by Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The temporary regulatory flexibilities for children's social care introduced during the coronavirus pandemic are set to expire.
- Vicky Ford announces plans to update guidance immediately and consult on extending some flexibilities until March 2021.
- A short consultation will launch to seek views on additional safeguards and inform final decisions.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the expiration and potential extension of temporary regulatory flexibilities introduced during the coronavirus pandemic for children's social care.
Action requested
Vicky Ford announces an intention to update guidance immediately, consult on extending a small number of flexibilities until March 2021, and seek views on additional safeguards. A short consultation will launch later this week to inform final decisions, with Parliament having the opportunity to scrutinize any proposed extensions.
Key facts
- The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 are due to lapse on 25 September 2020.
- Out of 128 local authorities surveyed in June and July, 87 have used at least one regulation infrequently.
- The regulations allow more time for medical reports from GPs for foster carers and adoptive parents, enabling continued functionality of processes during the pandemic.