Support bubbles - do they have to have a purpose?

[Hotdamn]

Hello, I'm after some advice really. I have just had a call from the police saying that someone had reported I was moving between homes following recent increased restrictions in my area. (no doubt 'reported' by my psychopath ExH as he has just had contact from my solicitor... what a coincidence. He has done similar before too)

Current situation is, when my kids are with their dad I stay at his house for various reasons mainly because he hates my sofa which is every Tues and every other w/end.

I tried to explain to the officer that my DP is my exclusive Support Bubble. We are both single parents with children under 18, he stays here during the week and goes back to his house in a different area half an hour away when his children stay over every other weekend. We would perhaps go with him so the kids can see each other, but we don't go now that the restrictions have increased.

The officer asked if I looked after his children - no
He asked if my DP looked after mine - no
Therefore he said you can't stop over at his and he can't come to yours as it is not a support bubble.

I'm now really confused. I can't find anywhere that says I have to actively support my DP in some way. I read the guidance on the Gov website as the restrictions were introduced and considered that we were acting within the guidance.

The officer said about him needing to move in with me and then his kids need to come here, which increases the risk as there will be 4 kids here at the weekend.

Can anyone shed any light on this please? He would move in with me but is it necessary?

Many thanks

My mum is my "bubble" because I'm a single parent. She does nothing other than provide me with adult company occasionally.

As far as I'm aware that is completely within the rules

Thank you TheFormer. It's when the police tell you something different you start to question yourself!

Its possible I'm wrong, but emotional support is still support and just as important as physical support!

I thought bubbles were to provide support/company for single people (including those with young children).

Are you in England? He is not correct, there is nothing in the rules that sourdough support bubbles are only for childcare. Are you certain this was a police officer? Worth calling the local police station either way as what he said is not correct.
www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household

The police officer is talking through his hat. A support bubble is there to support a single parent, not look after the child. It is there to provide adult conversation, companionship, and prevent depression.

It can (but does not have to) involve a child care element.

Thank you everyone. Yes we're in England. I'm going to call them back now and have another chat with them. Thanks for the reassurance. I was called by a female police officer first who left a message, then when I called back I spoke to a man as she was driving. Sounded legit to me (but you never know, especially considering the form my ExH has).

All sorted - we went through the guidance together and we are within guidelines. They are going to have further discussions with the person who made the call which is great news as hopefully these will now stop.
Wine poured!

Sourdough support bubbles - I like it!

I'd love a sourdough support bubble

Oh no! I agree with you op for the original restrictions. It may be for the new local lock downs this doesn't count :(

@Hotdamn

All sorted - we went through the guidance together and we are within guidelines. They are going to have further discussions with the person who made the call which is great news as hopefully these will now stop. Wine poured!

phew! Thank goodness