Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, I shall keep my comments brief on this topic. We support the intentions of the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley. As she said, the clauses in the Bill enable the Secretary of State to set statutory targets for children’s services authorities in England for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We fully support the intention to make these regulations subject to the affirmative, not negative, procedure. It is right and proper that they should be subject to the express approval of Parliament. This will increase transparency. Moreover, the attention and scrutiny of Parliament may draw much-needed attention to this area. I look forward to the Minister’s response.