Minimum fostering allowances for England announced

Charities have reacted to the government’s announcement of minimum allowances for foster carers in England today.

David Holmes, chief executive of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering said:

“Let’s be clear, these are minimum allowances. Many local authorities are already paying more and this can only be good for the children in their care.

“Looking after other people’s children costs money and foster carers need to have costs fully covered if they are to have a fighting chance of giving these children the stability and security they so desperately need.  We are sure that the 25 per cent of local authorities that need to raise the rates they currently pay to meet the government’s suggested rates will do so.”

Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Fostering Network said: “The proposed rate will be good news for those foster carers who currently receive very low allowances but they will still leave thousands of foster carers out of pocket.

“The government’s proposed allowances do not take into consideration a number of key costs including housing and transport. Fostering services will have to pay above the Government levels to ensure all their foster carers have their costs fully covered.”

Allowances will start at £100 a week for the youngest children.

The lowest allowances are broadly in line with the rates proposed in the government’s consultation in January, but higher rates are introduced for older teenagers and families living in London and the South East.

They come into force in April 2007 and will be revised annually in line with inflation.

Guidance on payment systems for foster carers was also published  yesterday.

Minimum weekly fostering allowances 2007-8