Coalition to Improve Legal Rights for Grandparents
Under the country’s new government, grandparents are expected to receive increased rights to see their grandchildren when parental couples split, as Nick Clegg prioritises “strong, stable and loving families” in Britain.
The Deputy Prime Minister accused the “crazy” current legal system of stifling grandparent’s rights, claiming that millions are losing contact with their loved ones following separations and divorce.
Reportedly, the government recognises “the important role grandparents play in children’s lives” and is looking at “how to provide greater access and rights to non-residents parents and grandparents when couples separate”.
At present, grandparents have no legal rights to maintain contact with their grandchildren after a parental separation and changes will form part of Mr Clegg’s plans to restore the “spirit of childhood” along with several other alterations to legislation, including:
• New rights for flexible parental leave.
• A huge scaling back of Labour’s child tax credit in favour of income tax breaks.
• Rights to respite care for parents with disabled children.
"It's not up to governments to try and create happy families. Where we can help is by taking down the barriers that stop parents from giving their children the best upbringing possible," added Mr Clegg.
For years, campaigners have called for a change in grandparent’s rights and welcomed the government’s intentions. While not yet given a detailed timeline, a taskforce is being established to investigate the changes and the coalition has planned to implement them during its current term in government.