This morning, I joined kinship carers outside Parliament to show my support for the incredible work they do in raising children who can no longer be cared for by their parents. Their love, commitment, and sacrifice keep thousands of children out of the care system, yet too many kinship carers struggle due to a lack of financial support.

Today also marks the publication of Valuing Kinship Care in England, a new report from Kinship and The Centre for Care. It reveals that kinship carers provide an estimated £4.3 billion in economic value each year – equivalent to over a third of England’s total children’s services budget. Despite this, many receive little to no financial assistance, leaving families on the brink.

Over 132,000 children in England are being raised by kinship carers, family members and friends who step up, often in crisis, to provide a safe and loving home. Kinship care is proven to be better for children, keeping them connected to family and out of the care system. Yet, despite their vital role, kinship carers receive far less financial support than foster carers.

That’s why I have written to the Chancellor today, urging her to include financial support for kinship carers in the upcoming multi-year Spending Review. I fully support the call for all kinship carers to receive an allowance at least equal to the minimum fostering allowance because no family should struggle financially to do the right thing.

This morning, more than 30 kinship carers marched from Parliament to the Treasury with a clear message, it’s time to properly value kinship care. The government must act now, not only to provide financial support but also to ensure robust data collection on kinship families, so their needs are fully understood.

Kinship carers are unsung heroes. It’s time we gave them the recognition and support they deserve.