Oral Question·Department for Work and Pensions
“What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential relationship between increases in the cost of living and trends in the use of food banks.”
Tabled: 30 January 2024Answered: 5 February 2024
Asked by
Rachel Hopkins
Labour — Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
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.