Children in Care: Illegal Accommodation

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

Generally speaking, in trying to analyse why the number of foster carers has dropped, it is around the general areas of support, which are so important. Of course, when people make such a life-changing decision, they want to get on with it, but it is absolutely paramount that this be done in a supportive way, making sure that all aspects are considered, and that potential foster carers are fully apprised of what they are embarking on and where the support is to help them in that journey.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, helping local authorities to reach their sufficiency duty is one of the best ways to reduce the use of illegal accommodation. One of the most effective ways of achieving this, both in cost to authorities and outcomes for children, is by increasing the number of kinship carers. May I therefore press the Minister on kinship care regulations? Will the Government commit to re-examining their position on those regulations and make it easier for children to enter into care with family members, which must be a brilliant outcome if it goes well?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Earl is preaching to the converted. My experience, going back over 16 years now, has all been about enabling the kinship care model to grow, thrive and be recognised. It has not been recognised before, and I am delighted that in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, for the first time, it is getting the attention it deserves. When it is properly done, fully supported and with family group conferencing at the outset, it is a life-changer for children and young people themselves but also for their families. It is a very important area and we need to do more to support it.