Troubled families to get more support

Families with special needs and parents experiencing relationship breakdown will be promised more support, according to new government plans.

Three major relationship organisations (Relate, One Plus One and The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships) warned politicians that relationships between adults should be of the utmost importance when setting policies.

In response to this advice the Labour party will propose better advice and information for couples and look at ways of making public services more "family friendly".

There will be special support for groups with particular needs, such as families with disabled children and very young parents.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls said: "Strong and stable relationships between parents and between parents and their children are crucial and have the biggest effect on the happiness of everyone in the family."

The relationship organisations stressed family relationship problems were often the root of difficulties with children's achievement at school and emotional well-being.

Relate policy head, Jenny North said: "It is great that now both parties are talking about the importance of couple relationships and the implications of breakdown for adults and children. From Labour and the Conservatives we need to see a proper commitment of resources to help couples experiencing difficulties to stay together."

The Conservative party have plans to give tax-breaks to married couples and those in civil partnerships, but Labour’s Mr Balls said it is not up to the government to 'interfere' as family life and family relationships are intensely private. He said: "Parents and families say they want more information and support, so government has a responsibility to make sure it is provided, but with families themselves firmly in the driving seat about how and when to use it."