Oral Question·Department for Education
“What plans she has to ensure consistent financial support for kinship carers in local authority areas outside Kinship Zones pilot areas.”
Tabled: 8 September 2026Answered: 14 September 2026
Asked by
Mike Reader
Labour — Northampton South
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Education
Answer from Hansard
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
Part of the kinship zones pilot is testing an allowance equivalent to the fostering allowance alongside a robust impact evaluation, but we are not waiting for that evaluation to improve England’s approach to kinship care. Our Families First reforms are unlocking the potential of kin-based care across the country through family group decision making by default, and practical support through family network support packages.