§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the mapping exercise of child contact centres(a) started and (b) is expected to be completed; how many whole-time equivalent staff are working on the mapping exercise; and what budget is provided for the mapping exercise. [67633]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe work is being carried out under the auspices of the Child Contact Working Group, which is facilitated by the Lord Chancellor's Department. The mapping exercise forms part of the working group's consultation on a new referral mechanism to ensure families are directed to the service that meets their needs. The consultation was launched on II May and concludes in October. The mapping exercise will initially be conducted in three areas—Inner London, Manchester and Norfolk. Currently, two LCD staff support the work on a part-time basis. There is no specific budget for the working group, but expenses are paid to members.