Foster carers are to receive increased payments and allowances in recognition of the valuable work they do in giving children a home.
They could also receive a Council Tax discount of 50%, starting next year, as part of measures to attract more foster carers and retain the existing skilled and experienced carers.
Currently there are 371 children in the council’s care. This has placed significant demand pressures upon placements and the availability of foster care placements in Bury. As a result, too many children are being placed outside the borough in Independent Foster Agency or residential placements, which are significantly more expensive.
The council also has 140 care leavers aged 18 years or older, and needs to ensure sufficient options are available for them to stay with foster carers after they turn 18 or to enable them to live in a Supported Lodgings placement.
Bury approved foster carers receive professional fees and maintenance allowances for each child they care for, but the rates for the professional fees have not been reviewed for over 10 years.
The council’s cabinet has now agreed to increase maintenance allowances by between 6% and 34% depending on the age of the child, and approved considerably higher rises in the allowances paid for holidays, festivals and birthdays. It has recommended to full council that carers also receive a Council Tax discount of 50%, starting in 2024/25.
Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Our foster carers do a tremendous job in giving a caring, loving home to young people across Bury. But we recognise, especially during this cost of living crisis, that we need to do more to support them.
“By improving our professional fees, maintenance allowances and incentives, we will attract more prospective foster carers to Bury and retain the skilled and experienced carers we have.
“This will enable our children and young people to remain in their familiar locality and school, and ultimately lead to the best outcomes for them.”
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