Lib Dem MP Alison Bennett: Fund Extension Welcome, But "Sticking Plaster" Approach Fails Families.

The Liberal Democrats have today responded to the Government’s announcement that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) will be extended until March 2028, with a 10% funding increase bringing the total pot to £55m for the 2026/27 period.

​While the move provides a much-needed reprieve from the "cliff-edge" uncertainty of previous years, Lib Dem MPs are warning that the uplift does not go far enough to address the systemic crisis facing adoptive and kinship families.

​Ending the "Cliff-Edge" Uncertainty

​Alison Bennett MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson, welcomed the timing of the announcement, noting that it provides a level of stability that was sorely lacking last year.

​"I am pleased that the Minister has made this announcement in a timely manner, unlike last year when the Fund lapsed at the end of the financial year. Adoptive and kinship families and those that support them need to plan long-term, to prevent breaks in therapy courses and provide stability for children and young people."

​For too long, families have been left in limbo, unsure if the therapeutic support their children rely on would vanish overnight. This extension acknowledges that the needs of vulnerable children do not follow a rigid fiscal calendar.

​The Per-Child Gap: A Fundamental Flaw

​Despite the increased funding pot, the Liberal Democrats are highlighting a critical failure in the policy: the per-child allocation remains stagnant. As the cost of specialized therapy rises, the current cap often forces families to choose between a thorough assessment and actual treatment.

​The Issue: The total pot has grown, but the amount available per child has not kept pace with inflation or clinical costs.

​The Consequence: Many children receive an initial diagnosis but are left without the funds to complete a full course of therapy.

​The Lib Dem View: A 10% increase to the total fund is a "sticking plaster" if the individual support limits remain trapped in the past.

​"Once again, this announcement falls short of what is really needed," Bennett continued. "The problem remains with the per-child allocation. There is not enough money to cover costs for both an initial assessment and a comprehensive therapy course for a child."

​Put Families at the Centre

​The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to use the upcoming consultation period to truly listen to those on the frontline. We believe that adoption services must be built around the lived experiences of families and providers, not just Treasury spreadsheets.

​"The government needs to listen to the families and providers that are living with the consequences of these changes," Bennett urged. "These people need to be at the centre of any changes they make to adoption services."

​Have Your Say
​We encourage all adoptive parents, special guardians, and practitioners to participate in the ongoing consultations to ensure your voices are heard in Westminster.

​General Consultation:
 Adoption Support That Works for All... https://consult.education.gov.uk/adoption-and-special-guardianship-support-fund-team/adoption-support-that-works-for-all. 

​Children & young peoples.connsultation: Share your thoughts here https://consult.education.gov.uk/adoption-and-special-guardianship-support-fund-team/adoption-support-that-works-for-all-yp 

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