Relationships Foundation calls for introduction of family day
Joe Lepper
Monday, June 28, 2010
A new law giving parents of school-aged children the right to have a shared day off work at weekends is among a series of proposals relationship experts are calling on the government to introduce.
The think-tank the Relationships Foundation has unveiled its wish list for the government’s recently formed Childhood and Families Taskforce to consider.
It wants to see the introduction of a Family Day Bill, enshrining the right to a family day in law. It also wants the taskforce to encourage family and multi-generational living through relaxing planning laws on granny flats.
The taskforce was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg earlier this month. It is to be chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron and will include senior ministers from across government. Priorities will include looking at improving parental leave, support for disabled children and tackling family breakdown.
The foundation’s executive director, Michael Trend, said: "The government must also be clear that this is a big, long-term agenda that will impact on every area of government. Only by getting the family right can they hope to increase well-being, improve social mobility and reduce the fiscal deficit."
It wants to see the introduction of a Family Day Bill, enshrining the right to a family day in law. It also wants the taskforce to encourage family and multi-generational living through relaxing planning laws on granny flats.
The taskforce was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg earlier this month. It is to be chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron and will include senior ministers from across government. Priorities will include looking at improving parental leave, support for disabled children and tackling family breakdown.
The foundation’s executive director, Michael Trend, said: "The government must also be clear that this is a big, long-term agenda that will impact on every area of government. Only by getting the family right can they hope to increase well-being, improve social mobility and reduce the fiscal deficit."