Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provision of parental allowance for self-employed workers who choose to adopt.

The Government is aware of concerns raised about the adequacy of support for self-employed workers who choose to adopt.

Local Authorities can already make discretionary payments equivalent to Maternity Allowance to self-employed adopters who do not qualify for Statutory Adoption Pay, where eligible.

However, we recognise the system needs improvement, which is why we are undertaking a review of the parental leave and pay system. As part of this, we are considering the adequacy of parental leave entitlements for all groups, including self‑employed parents. The Review is expected to conclude in early 2027.