Date published: 12 May 2021 by Amber Hemming

Rainbow Trust is pleased to see yesterday’s Queen’s Speech gave a commitment to providing children with the best start in life. We welcome the aspiration that ‘every child will be able to fulfil their potential’ as part of the Government’s priorities for a national recovery following the pandemic.

It was encouraging to see plans to reform social care, however, Rainbow Trust is concerned that there was no direct mention of children’s social care.

Rainbow Trust’s Chief Executive Zillah Bingley said:

“It is disappointing that children’s social care was not directly mentioned in the Queen’s Speech yesterday. Families caring a child with complex health needs often rely heavily on social care services, and never have they needed this support more than after being so disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Families with a life-threatened or terminally ill child tell us that as pandemic restrictions start to lift, they are struggling more than ever before.

“We wholeheartedly agree that children should be given the very best start in life and we sincerely hope these significant aspirations will not exclude babies, children and young people who have a serious illness and who need additional help and support as they progress through their childhood.

“As ever, we look forward to seeing how the government will review and increase funding to charities that are providing vital support to these all-too-frequently forgotten families.”