In a speech given today the Queen set out the Government's plans for the year, including proposals that may affect your family
The Queen's Speech this afternoon has outlined the Government's legislative plans for the next year. Along with other Bills, the Queen's Speech featured and outlined the Children and Families Bill.
The Children and Families Bill proposes plans for several areas, including more flexible parental leave, measures to speed up the adoption process and a reform of support for children with special educational needs. Also, the rights of divorced dads to see their kids could be strengthened, reports the BBC.
A No.10 source said; "Dealing with the deficit and getting the economy growing remains the coalition's priority. But we're also grappling with long term issues around adoption, the care system, and children with disabilities, to make life better for some of the most vulnerable children in society," reported The Metro this morning before the speech.
Dr Katherine Rake, chief executive of the charity the Family and Parenting Institute, commented on the proposals outlined in the Bill; "The focus on family friendly policies in today's Queen's Speech is very welcome. Making parental leave more flexible is good news for parents hoping to both balance work and family commitments."
"However these welcome measures come at a time of great pain for families. Families are facing a triple squeeze of tax and benefit changes, increasing living costs, and high childcare costs," she said. "The most important family test will be whether families feel they have had their lives improved by this Government, and whether the UK is becoming a more family friendly society," Dr Katherine added.
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