WORKING OF THE CHILDREN ACT 2004

Early day motion 869, tabled 26 October 2005 by Lord Pickles (Conservative). Signed by 215 members.

That this House urges the Government to remove the veil of secrecy from the workings of the Children Act 2004; considers that the closed door policy of the family courts breeds suspicion and a culture of secrecy which does nothing to instil confidence in those using them, which affects not just the courts but the social services departments of local authorities; and believes that it is possible to preserve the anonymity of children involved in the proceedings without the cumbersome rules which obstruct parents from receiving advice and support, which in particular works to the disadvantage of parents with special learning difficulty.

Signatures by party: Conservative 106, Labour 61, Liberal Democrat 39, DUP 6, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.