Fostering Network Says Revised Allowances “Still Far Too Low”

Leading fostering charity the Fostering Network has described the Government announcement of new national minimum fostering allowances in England, as “a step in the right direction”, but claimed the rates set were “still far too low.” 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.”

A comparison between the Fostering Network’s recommended allowance for a 16-17 year old in London and the proposed Government rate would see foster carers delving into their own pockets to provide an additional £3,000 per year.