Written questions by Morden.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote equality as part of the Government mission entitled Break Down Barriers to Opportunity.

Our mission to spread opportunity will break the link between background and success. That’s why we’re extending free school meals to all children in households on Universal Credit – lifting 100,000 children across England out of povertyWe’re working to create a fairer Britain, where every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of making care experience a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality Act 2010 already protects many care leavers under the indirect discrimination provisions, because a disproportionately high number are likely to be from particular sub groups within characteristics such as race, disability and age. This Government is delivering for care leavers; younger care leavers will be exempt from rules which require a connection to a local area before accessing social housing. We have also established a care leaver Ministerial Board, which brings together Ministers from key Departments, to improve support for care leavers across Government.