Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to set fostering and related allowances.

Councillor Dine Romero in moving the proposals said that they were uncontroversial.  She explained that the ‘level one’ fee would not rise, because it was linked to local government pay, but it was felt that the ‘level two’ fee should nevertheless have a small increase to reflect the special responsibility of looking after children with particularly complex needs.  Other allowances would increase by the amount recommended by the Fostering Network.

Councillor Tim Ball seconded the proposal.  He explained that he was himself a special guardian but stressed that he did not claim any allowance for this.  He would have liked to do more for carers, but agreed that in the circumstances the proposals were the best that could be achieved.

Councillor Roger Symonds observed that some people had faithfully cared for very difficult children for a number of years.  He felt that anything that could be done to support them must be done.

On a motion from Councillor Dine Romero, seconded by Councillor Tim Ball, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To INCREASE fostering age related allowances and permanence allowances in line with Fostering Network recommendations;

(2) To AGREE that there will be no change in fostering level one fees, family link rates, savings rates for children in care, or supported lodgings;

(3) To AGREE a small increase to level two fees – to reflect drive for in-house placements for teenagers with complex needs; and

(4) To NOTE the current level of care leavers maintenance, which is linked to Job Seekers Allowance.