Coronavirus: Childcare exemption added to new restrictions in England

Image copyright PA Media Image caption The new exemption allows grandparents, for example, to look after their grandchildren

People subject to tighter coronavirus regulations will be allowed to look after children from other households.

The new rules introduced over the weekend prohibit people in affected areas from meeting other households.

But after complaints from parents, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said people looking after children under 14 or vulnerable adults would be exempt.

The rules apply to 11 million people in England, in the North East, North West and West Midlands.

Mr Hancock told the House of Commons: "I've heard the concerns about the impact of local action on childcare arrangements. For many, informal childcare arrangements are a lifeline, without which they couldn't do their jobs.

"So, today I'm able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14 or vulnerable adults where that is necessary for caring purposes.

"This covers both formal and informal arrangements. It does not allow for play-dates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed.

"I hope this change will provide clarity and comfort to many people who are living with these local restrictions."

People in the following areas are currently banned from mixing with other households at private homes:

The new restrictions will come into force in the following places on Tuesday:

Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and the parts of Lancashire not already under tightened restrictions excluding Blackpool Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale Wolverhampton, Oadby and Wigston Image copyright Michelle McDaid Image caption Kieron and Michelle McDaid said the exemption would allow Mrs McDaid's parents to look after the couple's children while they work

The move has been welcomed by families with one mother, Michelle McDaid, from Solihull, saying she was "over the moon".

She relies on her parents Angela and Fred Dale to care for her two year-old son Alfred while she works two days a week as an accounts assistant.

She also said her parents would have missed seeing Alfred and her eight-year-old son Finley.

Mrs McDaid said: "It is amazing, it will make my life so much easier.

"It has been a juggling act this past week trying to fit work in where I can.

"My parents have missed them incredibly because they see them so often, it has just been really sad for them."

Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Conservative MP for Berwick who was name-checked by Mr Hancock as being one of the North East MPs who contacted him over the issue, said she was "delighted" and the exemption was "vital for working parents".

Newcastle City Council's Labour leader Nick Forbes said: "This is a victory for common sense.

"I know parents and carers will be breathing a huge sigh of relief."