The government recently issued a consultation document "Supporting Families" which outlined its thinking on future policy. The Mothers' Union is one organisation which considers such papers and reports back, it is an important part of our work and one that gives a Christian perspective to the debate.
Many will have read, seen, or heard something of our response on April 28th. when our press-release was issued, but as usual the coverage was condensed and often gave little idea of our thinking. For the press-release we focused on one issue - grandparents.
Where parents work outside the home many grandparents are responsible for child care, and this can encourage and reinforce a sense of family. Child care tax relief will be available only to those who employ a registered child minder. So the MU suggests that grandparents who are responsible for child care should be encouraged to register. The result of this would be two-fold, child care would remain within the family, and they would be eligible for tax relief so "supporting" the family. Thus families will be able to choose what is best for them without being at a financial disadvantage. A clear signal that the family is valued.
Another area of concern is the visiting rights of grandparents when divorce or separation divides a family. This can cause much distress. The Children's Act of 1989 gave grandparents the opportunity to take their case before the courts, but this can be a tortuous process and one that many would find distasteful or daunting. So the MU asks that the law be re-examined.
Our response contained much more but the above gives the background to the reports you may have seen. The MU will continue to work for families, believing that marriage provides a strong foundation for stable relationships, and is the most reliable framework for raising children. For more information contact Kate Hargreaves. Marketing Co-ordinator, Portsmouth Diocese. (01730 261196) or visit the Mothers' Union Website:
www.themothersunion.org
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page last updated 1 JUNE 1999