Allowances too low in Northern Ireland

Foster carers in Northern Ireland receive allowances below recommended levels, research has found.

A survey by the Fostering Network reveals all 13 health and social services trusts in Northern Ireland pay only £75 a week to cover the cost of looking after the youngest children.

The charity recommends a minimum allowance of £112 a week for pre-school children, a figure met by more than half of councils in England and Wales. The network called for the statutory fostering allowance system under consultation in England to be extended to Northern Ireland.