This is a welcome announcement from the government and will come as a welcome relief to all of those kinship families who were deeply concerned about their children losing access to vital therapeutic support.

I also took this opportunity to ask the minister to end the financial uncertainty for the 340 kinship families in my constituency by announcing the 10 trial pilot areas for a kinship allowance, and ensuring all kinship families can access emotional, therapeutic and financial support regardless of their kinship arrangement.

Kinship carers keep thousands of children out of the care system and within families’ existing networks which is proven to be beneficial for children, they deserve support equal to foster carers.