§ 11.22 a.m.
§ Lord BanksMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether as a result of the operation of the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Miscellaneous Provisions Regulations 1985 a former foster-child, remaining in the home of his former foster-parents after coming out of care, can be compelled, if under the age of 26, to leave that home.
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, no, although some young people in these circumstances could have their benefit reduced after a time. As part of our policy of monitoring the impact of the regulations, we are giving further thought to the position of young people in such circumstances.
§ Lord BanksMy Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that I have not completely understood it and will therefore have to read what he has said in Hansard? May I ask him also whether he is aware that it is only two years since former foster-children remaining in their former foster-parents' home were assessed as boarders and not as non-householders so that they would not be put in the invidious position of having to be subsidised by their former foster-parents? Is the noble Earl aware that there is concern that these new regulations will negate that? Should not the former foster-children who remain with their former foster-parents be included in the list of exemptions under these regulations?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I am aware of the situation that happened two years ago. We are looking carefully at how the regulations are working in practice. If the noble Lord knows of any case which is causing distress, I should be grateful if he would let me know and I will take up the matter on his behalf.