Supporting Parents of Seriously Sick Children

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  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Chris Hinchliff MP.

  Dear Secretary of State,

  Re: The Government’s Consultation On Support for Parents of Seriously Sick Children

  We are writing in support of the It’s Never You campaign for Hugh’s Law, following the government’s announcement of a stand-alone consultation on supporting parents of seriously ill children.

  The campaign for Hugh’s Law goes to the heart of what our welfare state must provide: a safety net people can rely on in moments of crisis. Too many parents, already facing the anguish of caring for a seriously ill child, also face the devastating reality that they cannot afford to be at their child’s bedside. Hugh’s Law would introduce an immediate, non-means tested benefit for parents of seriously ill children, offering immediate support that current benefits simply do not provide. Families must not fall through the cracks of the welfare system at what is, for many, the hardest period of their lives. There is support for families at certain stages of life, such as maternity and paternity leave. There is nothing bespoke for parents of seriously ill children, aside from the limited Neonatal Care Act, applying only in a child’s earliest days. Hugh’s Law is a natural extension of that Act. Our welfare state should

  respond not to the timing of illness, but to the reality of need.

  We welcome the consultation as a significant step forward that reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the campaign for Hugh’s Law. We would be grateful for clarification on the following points ahead of the consultation:

  • Will the consultation’s terms be co-produced with It’s Never You to ensure they reflect families’ real needs?

  • Will you confirm the timeframe for the consultation?

  • Will you announce an intention to legislate on Hugh’s Law in next year’s King’s Speech?

  • Can you outline a potential timeframe for implementation of any resulting legislation?

  The government’s announcement marks significant progress. The upcoming King’s Speech provides

  the ideal opportunity to build on this to deliver Hugh’s Law, ensuring the needs of families are fully

  addressed.

  Yours sincerely,

  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Chris Hinchliff MP.