<-- Back to proposed bills

Children’s Social Care Update

14 July 2020

Proposing MP
Chelmsford
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Education

At a Glance

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.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy