Kids to be exempt from ‘rule of 6’ in childcare shake-up which means grandparents won’t face fines, reveals Hancock

GRANNIES and childminders will be exempt from the new 'rule of six' and won't face £100 fines for taking care of kids - bit only in local lockdown areas, Matt Hancock has said.

Anyone looking after someone under the age of 14 so their parents can continue to go out to work won't face any extra rules or restrictions if they are in an area of local lockdown, he said.

Children do count in the rule of six in England, it was revealed last week, but Scotland does not count them.

Mr Hancock told MPs in the House of Commons today: "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."

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

The Department for Health later confirmed that Mr Hancock meant to say it was only for people under local restrictions.

He added: "“I have listened to concerns that have been raised around the ban on interhousehold mixing in place for local areas of intervention, and have now introduced a provision for those looking after children under the age of 14. Informal care can also continue for vulnerable adults.

"I truly sympathise with everyone who lost those vital extra hands to care for a child or loved one, and I hope that this eases their burden."