Foster carers set for travel costs boost

MILEAGE allowances for foster carers in West Lothian are set to triple following a “long overdue” review by the council.

As foster children are generally taken in as part of the family there is no expectation carers should claim costs for family activities.

However, for many years West Lothian carers have received an allowance of 13.2p for hospital, family or prospective long-term carer visits. Following a review by the Association of Directors of Social Work, which found much higher mileage rates elsewhere in Scotland, an additional £10,000 from next year’s budget has been recommended to increase the allowance to 40p per mile.

The measure has been put forward for approval at a meeting of the council executive today.