Grandparents targetted by Labour

Children's secretary, Ed Balls, has today announced plans to abolish the legal requirement for grandparents to apply to court for permission ('leave') subsequently to apply to the court for contact with their grandchildren when this is denied. 

This requirement for leave creates an additional hurdle which is not applicable to parents applying for contact.  They can immediately issue their application at court without restriction. 

Grandparents with a genuine desire to spend time with their grandchildren are increasingly seeking advice from family solicitors with a view to them regularising contact with their grandchildren through the courts.  This demonstrates the preliminary requirement for leave to be out of touch with reality. 

Ed Balls focuses on grandparents as the 'unsung heroes' when it comes to informal care arrangements and has also revealed measures to ensure children's centres are more accessible and welcoming for grandparents.

Other measures set out in the Green Paper on families and relationships released today, include providing fathers with more support, together with parents with disabled children.

A full copy of the paper is available online from the department for children, schools and families.