Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing paid leave for people who have undertaken special guardianship orders.

The Government recognises the important role that Special Guardians play looking after children.

Statutory guidance is clear that local authorities should consider financial help for special guardians. Qualifying special guardians are also entitled to annual leave, the right to request flexible working and unpaid parental leave to help them balance their family and work responsibilities.

The recently published Independent Care Review made recommendations to support special guardians and kinship carers. The Government is carefully considering all the recommendations in the Care Review and will respond in due course.