FOSTER CARERS AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE ACT

That this House notes that the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) does not cover foster carers; further notes that they are therefore in a vulnerable position if they choose to speak out about alleged wrongdoing or poor practice; expresses concern that this may act as a disincentive to foster carers exposing wrongdoing or poor practice, thereby potentially putting vulnerable children at continued risk; notes that the Whistleblowing Commission chaired by the right hon. Sir Anthony Hooper recommended that the Secretary of State for Health uses the powers set out in Section 20 of the Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to extend PIDA to cover foster carers; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward proposals to extend the scope of that Act accordingly.