House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Machinery of Government
24 March 2022 · Prime Minister
Proposed by Boris Johnson Con Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department for Education will take over responsibilities for former British child migrants sent abroad until 1970 from the Department for Health and Social Care as of April 1, 2022.
- The transfer includes the funding and operation of the Child Migrants Trust and the Family Restoration Fund.
- This change aims to align the care and support for former British child migrants more closely with educational and social services.
Issue summary
The statement addresses a Machinery of Government change regarding the transfer of responsibilities related to British child migrants from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to the Department for Education (DfE).
Action requested
From April 1, 2022, the DfE will take over responsibility for matters relating to former British children in care who were sent abroad until 1970, including funding for the Child Migrants Trust and operation of the Family Restoration Fund.
Key facts
- From the post-war period through to 1970, approximately 3,500 British children in care were sent abroad.
- These former child migrants are now aged between 60-90 years old.
- The transfer will occur on April 1, 2022.