Wiltshire "leading the way" with Kinship pilot selection, says MP
Government programme aims to enhance support for kinship carers
A Wiltshire MP says the county is "leading the way" in supporting people helping create loving family networks for children who can't live with their parents.
Wiltshire Council has been selected as one of seven areas in England to participate in the Government's new Kinship Zones pilot, a programme aimed at improving support for kinship carers and family networks.
Kinship carers are people who look after the children of another family member.
The project, set to begin in April 2026, includes Wiltshire, Bexley, Bolton, Newcastle, North-East Lincolnshire, Medway, and Thurrock.
Over a three-and-a-half-year period, each area will trial a guaranteed financial allowance for eligible kinship carers, equal to the allowance that foster carers receive.
The initiative will also deliver earlier support for child family networks, including informal kinship carers, to help prevent children from entering into care.
Sarah Gibson, Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham, covering areas such as Calne, Corsham, and Royal Wootton Bassett, welcomed the announcement.
Ms Gibson praised kinship carers as "heroes" who often take on the responsibility of caring for vulnerable children with minimal notice and support.
"Wiltshire’s selection to take part in the new Kinship Zones pilot goes a long way to recognise the vital role grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends play in keeping children within loving family networks," Ms Gibson said. She described the pilot as a positive first step, highlighting Wiltshire's leading role in this national initiative.
Ms Gibson has long advocated for greater workplace rights for kinship carers, aligning with the Employment Rights Bill amendments she supported in January 2025. These proposed amendments included creating statutory rights to kinship care leave and providing workplace protections akin to those granted to adoptive parents.
"Selecting Wiltshire as a Kinship Zone is a great first step from the Government," she added, expressing hope for continued support and further actions in favour of kinship carers across the country.