Pay increase for foster carers next year

Foster carers in Herefordshire will be given a payrise next year and will be exempt from council tax from April 2021.

Herefordshire Council leaders agreed the measures yesterday as a way of attracting and retaining more people to the service.

They said there is a national shortage of foster carers and they needed these new incentives as it is a very competitive market.

Under the new pay scheme, carers looking after children who are up to four years old will receive £154.15 per week, an increase of £30.30 on the current pay.

Those caring for children who are between five and ten years old will be paid £168.46 every week which is up £29.71

While foster carers looking after children aged between 11 and 15 will be paid £199.06 per week, up £3.14 and the pay remains unchanged at £234.46 for those looking after young people over the age of 16.

These increases will be effective from January 2021.

Council leaders also agreed to make foster carers exempt from paying council tax from April next year.

Children and families cabinet member Felicity Norman said the council wanted to make sure it was attractive and competitive in order to recruit and retain the foster carers it needs.

“I’m sure everyone is aware that Herefordshire does not have enough foster placements to meet the needs of all children and young people in care.

“This is a national issue. There is a national shortage of foster carers and this is excacerbated by the growth in the independent fostering agencies and the increase in the number of children and people in care.

“We also want foster carers to develop their skill sin order to meet the different needs of children and young people in care.

“So, if this is successful it will increase choice of placements available and reduce the likelihood of placement breakdown.

“And hopefully reduce the need for children to be moving away from their families to distant areas.”

Head of looked after children Gill Cox said fostering operates within a competitive market with other local authorities and the independent sector.

“We need to ensure that our fostering allowances and fees are competitive but also that we are providing the best quality support and training to our foster carers,” she said.

Commissioning, procurement, and assets cabinet member Gemma Davies said she really supported the proposals and felt it would allow more people to become foster carers.

The cabinet unanimously agreed the proposals.