Adoption pay set for debate

Local MP Lisa Smart’s call for equal pay for adoptive parents is gaining traction, with a debate in Westminster on the subject set for this week.

The MP first raised the issue in Parliament after a resident got in touch because she was denied adoptive leave and pay because she was self-employed, and doesn’t qualify for maternity allowance because she is not having her child biologically. 

Lisa said: “Brilliant future parents could be put off from adopting children because they can’t afford it. We should be doing everything we can to enable those who are seeking to grow their family through adoption to do so, with the wellbeing of children absolutely at the heart of any plans. 

I want Government support for a change to this.”

The Liberal Democrat MP has already submitted an amendment to the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill which would bring this change into law, and the Westminster Hall Debate will give her the opportunity to directly address the Minister to try and deliver that Government support.

She added: “It is only as an MP that you can try and deliver this kind of change for constituents. When Kirsty – my constituent – got in touch with me, this seemed so clearly unfair that I immediately raised it in Parliament, and I am hopeful that this is something that the Government will back. Simply put, this change is only fair.”