§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if home responsibilities protection will be given to foster carers; [56240]
(2) what pension arrangement foster carers are entitled to; and if he will make a statement on support for those who give up work to care for foster children. [56241]
§ Mr. McCartneyHome responsibilities protection in respect of carers of children is awarded through child benefit entitlement. Foster parents do not receive child benefit directly unless they have a child of their own aged under 16. We are currently reviewing these arrangements to ascertain if the position of foster carers can be improved.