Ellie Ames 07 October 2024

Time to axe ‘contradictory’ care laws, minister says

Time to axe ‘contradictory’ care laws, minister says image
Image: Media_Photos / Shutterstock.com

It is ‘high time’ to axe outdated language and contradictory rules from laws on disabled children’s social care, the families minster has said.

The Law Commission was asked by the Government to review the laws in England and has launched a consultation today.

Children and families minister Janet Daby said: ‘It’s high time that outdated and offensive language and confusing and contradictory rules are axed from our legal system for good – saving social workers’ hugely valuable time, that can be better spent improving families’ experiences.’

The Law Commission agreed that much of the language about disabled children in the Children Act 1989 is offensive and said it does not capture the nuances of neurodiversity.

The statutory body said it would be fair to describe the current legal rules as a ‘system of baffling complexity’ that creates ‘additional tiring and frustrating work’.

Its consultation suggests taking legislation for disabled children out of section 17 of the Children Act and establishing a new legal framework for their social care.

It also asks whether there should be national eligibility criteria for disabled children’s social care, how disability should be defined, and what remedies should be available for children and families when things go wrong.

Public law commissioner Alison Young said: ‘The children who need help from social services have changed over time as our awareness and understanding of particular conditions has developed.

‘It is important for these children, their carers and those providing services that the law is fair, up to date and most importantly, simple to understand.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026  20 hours per week Mon – Fri, 10am -2pm, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Project Manager, Selby

North Yorkshire Council
£45,718-£49,764
Are you someone who is innovative and has the ability to oversee the delivery of strategic projects? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Project Manager, Harrogate

North Yorkshire Council
£45,718-£49,764
Are you someone who is innovative and has the ability to oversee the delivery of strategic projects? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner