Issue - meetings

Annual review of fostering and related allowances.

Councillor Nathan Hartley proposed the recommendations.  He explained that it was never easy to recruit good foster parents; but that he was delighted that the Family Placements Team had been working so hard to attract new fosterers.  He reminded Cabinet that Children and Young People were a key priority for the Council.

Councillor Cherry Beath seconded the proposal by saying how impressed she had been by the commitment shown by foster carers.  The proposed rises were in line with the recommendations of the Fostering Network.

[Councillor Tim Ball in a personal statement explained that he had no interest to declare on this matter, because he and his wife claimed no allowances from this authority.]

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor Cherry Beath, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To INCREASE fostering age related allowances and permanence allowances in line with Fostering Network recommendations as set out in the report;

(2) To AGREE that there will be no change in fostering fees, savings rates for children in care, or supported lodgings as set out in the report; and

(3) To NOTE the current level of care leavers maintenance which is linked to Job Seekers Allowance as set out in the report.