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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Comment

The Reader: Provide help to ease pressure on family carers

Lots of children have been learning at home since Covid-19 restrictions were implemented (Picture: PA)

Around 40,000 children in London who are unable to live with their parents are being raised by grandparents, siblings or friends. Known as kinship carers, they, and the children they are raising, are more likely to suffer health conditions or special needs than the wider population.

Many are struggling during the Covid crisis — including financially — and are worried what will happen to the children if they fall ill. The Parliamentary Taskforce on Kinship Care has written to the Prime Minister urging measures to help, such as a new kinship care fund and the lifting of the benefit cap. Such measures would relieve pressure on these families and help ensure placements do not break down, meaning more children ending up in the care system.
Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive, Family Rights Group

Editor's reply

Dear Cathy

It’s right that you highlight the plight of the surprisingly large number of siblings, grandparents and friends doing a vital job raising children who for one reason or another are deprived of their parents. This overlooked group, often brought to public attention only through your charity’s fine efforts, are clearly among the most vulnerable to the financial impact of the crisis.

Whether the Government adopts your suggestions on how their plight could be alleviated, or chooses other routes it’s critical that these selfless carers receive the support they need to carry on their invaluable work.
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor

Football is not a priority for tests​

The FA suggests all players and officials be tested before each game at an NHS testing station. With 92 matches left in the Premiership we’re looking at a minimum 10,000 tests. I have cancer and need surgery — how can the Government prioritise tests on footballers ahead of NHS staff and people like me?
Nick Smith

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