Overview

This bill mandates that all new government policies in England undergo a "family test" assessing their potential impact on families. It also requires the government to set objectives, targets, and indicators for promoting strong and stable families and to report annually on its progress.

Description

The Assessment of Government Policies (Impact on Families) Bill aims to ensure that government policies consider their effects on families. A "family test" must be conducted before implementing new policies or legislation. This test will assess a proposal's impact on various aspects of family life, including:

• A person's ability to participate in family life and fulfill caring responsibilities.
• Family formation (e.g., marriage, childbirth).
• Families undergoing significant changes (e.g., bereavement, separation).
• Couples at risk of separation or families at risk of breakdown.

The bill defines "family" broadly, encompassing various relationships, including those between spouses, partners, children, parents, extended family members, and carers. If a negative impact is predicted, the government must explain its reasons for proceeding. The Secretary of State must also report on the costs and benefits of extending this "family test" to local authorities and publish annual reports on progress towards promoting family stability, including established objectives, targets, and indicators.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, implementing the family test and producing the required reports will necessitate additional resources and administrative costs. The exact financial implications are not detailed within the bill.

Groups Affected

• Government Departments and Ministers: They are required to conduct family tests for all new policies, potentially increasing their workload and administrative burden.
• Families: The bill aims to benefit families by ensuring that government policies consider their impact on family life. The effects will vary depending on the policies enacted.
• Local Authorities: The bill requires a report on extending the family test to local authorities, which could impact their resources and responsibilities if the test is adopted.
• Researchers and Analysts: There will be a need for individuals to conduct and analyse data for the family tests and subsequent reports.

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