Petition · Department for Work and Pensions

Increase funding for Special Guardians and end the postcode lottery

Closed 29 signatures

What the petition asks

We call on the Government to provide dedicated funding to councils so that financial support for Special Guardians is consistent across the UK and aligned with fostering allowances.
Special Guardians step up when a child cannot live with their parents. They provide love, stability, and a permanent home — often keeping children out of the care system and saving the state thousands each year. But support for Special Guardians is currently a postcode lottery. Some councils offer help, while many provide nothing at all. This leaves families struggling and children facing unequal life chances depending on where they live. We are asking the Government to ensure fair, standardised support for all Special Guardians, so that every child has the stability they deserve, no matter their postcode.

Timeline

5 Dec 2025 Petition opened for signatures
5 Jun 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 29
Status Closed
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 5 Dec 2025
Closed 5 Jun 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 1 Sep 2026.