Children of separated parents “can move between households”, confirms minister

Children of separated parents can move between households during the coronavirus lockdown, it has been confirmed.

It comes after minister Michael Gove reportedly “U-turned” on advice given to families following the introduction of strict new laws designed to keep people indoors.

Under the new rules, people should only be leaving the home for four reasons: to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary”, to procure essential supplies, and to address medical or care needs.

Mr Gove initially indicated that children moving between different houses – for example, where parents have shared custody of a child – did not qualify as an “exceptional” circumstance.

In a tweet, however, the MP adjusted the Government’s position in regard to children moving between households, stating that this “may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents”.

“I wasn’t clear enough earlier, apologies”, he tweeted. “This is permissible and has been made clear in the guidance.”

The Government guidance now says: “Where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes.”

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