Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Selous (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 7 December 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Couple support programmes in Australia and America have cut divorce rates by half in some cities. Does the Prime Minister agree that health visitors, registrars and local authorities should co-operate fully with similar schemes in the UK, such as community family trusts?

Answer: First, I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving me prior notice of his question. I understand that the aim of community family trusts is to reduce family breakdown in the way that he describes, by strengthening and building confident, committed relationships within families. The trusts should be commended for their work. From April next year the new children, young people and families grant will provide support to organisations that support families, including adult couple relationship support. I understand that community family trusts have applied for funding from that grant, and decisions on successful bids will be made by March 2006. I commend the trusts for their work. Obviously, I cannot say what will happen in the bidding process, but money will be available from April next year for precisely the type of scheme that the hon. Gentleman suggests.

Secondary information