This Library Note provides background reading for the debate on looked-after children on 25 October.
Debate on 25 October: Looked-after Children (415 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides background reading for the debate to be held on Thursday 25 October: “the standards of service for looked-after children and, in particular, the Government’s response to changes in residential childcare in the light of recent child protection failures”. It considers recent analysis of the standards of service received by looked-after children and what measures have been undertaken to improve these standards. It also considers what inadequacies might be identified in the provision of care for looked-after children in residential settings following the prosecution of members of an organised gang based in Rochdale which targeted children in care homes.
Debate on 25 October: Looked-after Children (415 KB , PDF)
While handling record demand, the social care sector in England is facing workforce, resource and funding pressures. There are also millions of people providing unpaid care. The new Labour government has announced an intention to create a ‘National Care Service’, and to improve NHS and social care integration as part of a 10-year plan for reform.
The Labour government has set out its short- and long-term plans to reduce the pressure on prison capacity in England and Wales. This includes releasing eligible prisoners on licence into the community after they have served 40% of their sentence and building more prisons. Organisations have highlighted the risk of prison overcrowding on prisoner wellbeing. Some charities have called for better mental health support for prisoners whilst in custody and on release.
Currently, cyclists who drive dangerously or carelessly can be prosecuted for various offences, including those contained in the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended). In 2024, the Conservative government said it was introducing a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling. However, this change in the law was not enacted before the 2024 general election. This briefing summarises the existing laws ahead of a debate in the House of Lords.
