Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Rejected
Paragraph: 81
The Government’s response to this inquiry so far has not addressed the immediate situation faced...
Recommendation
The Government’s response to this inquiry so far has not addressed the immediate situation faced by self-employed adoptive parents as a result of Covid-19. A future review, although welcome, may not come in time for this cohort of parents and children who desperately need additional support. Adoptive parents spend a huge amount of time planning their leave period carefully so that their children and new families can have the very best start. No-one was able to plan for Covid-19. These parents are looking after some of the most vulnerable children in our society and need help as a matter of urgency. The Government should consider equalising the benefits for self-employed adoptive parents to those of other self-employed parents. This could be a pilot scheme for those who became new parents during the pandemic to inform the Government’s wider review on parental leave.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to equalise benefits for self-employed adoptive parents, explaining that maternity entitlements have health and safety considerations for birth mothers that do not apply to adopters. It notes that local authorities can already consider discretionary, means-tested payments.
Paragraph Reference:
81
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government has consulted on high level options to reform our system of Parental Leave and Pay and will respond in due course. In the meantime, we will continue to engage with stakeholders such as Adoption UK to understand how we can ensure our family entitlements are fit for purpose.