The Lord Bishop of Manchester

I thank all noble Lords who have taken part in this debate this afternoon, and thank them for the concern for care leavers that has come from all sides of this House. Particularly in the past few minutes, we have heard that we do not have adequate data. Of course, waiting for data can be an excuse, so can we commit to collecting the data that we need so that we can have an informed debate—particularly as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill goes forward? That may be a place where we can continue some of these conversations beyond the scope of this Bill. We have heard also that, while lots of statutory guidance exists, its application, in the Minister’s own words, is at best patchy. The advantage of tackling this matter through universal credit is that it takes away the postcode lottery. I know that many noble Lords are here for the next debate, so I shall be brief. In my years with the Church Commissioners, I discovered that, when you are prepared to look at things in the long term, the moral and financial cases often point in the same direction. We have heard many noble Lords speak in this debate about the moral and financial case. If we improved universal credit rates for young care leavers, we would in the long term save money. I know that I do not have to be re-elected every five years and I can take a long-term view—but please can we recognise that, if we take a moral and financial case, they can both point in the same direction, particularly when we look long term? Today sees the retirement of the reverend canon Dr Malcolm Brown, who has led the Church of England’s public affairs work nationally for something like 18 years. I want to thank him for his support of me and my friends on these Benches over so many years. I am glad to be able to put that on the record of your Lordships’ House. I also echo the Minister in wishing the noble Baroness, Lady Sherlock, who is just as gifted in the pulpit as she is in explaining universal credit, a speedy recovery. I finish on the words of the noble Lord, Lord Watson of Invergowrie. He said, “Would this be appropriate for my child?” With that question echoing in my heart, I beg to move.