Issue details
Housing Alterations for Foster Carers
The local authority is experiencing a shortage of foster placements, particularly for sibling groups and children with complex needs. This is resulting in:
• Children being placed outside the local area.
• Increased costs for independent fostering agencies.
• Increases in children placed in residential settings where
their plan is foster care.
• Disruption of sibling relationships.
A policy has been developed to support foster carers to receive
financial support from the local authority to make alterations /
extensions to their homes which enable them to look after more
children. Foster carers have been surveyed and there is a strong
interest in this scheme from them. Two foster carers have actively
come forward and are requesting support to enable their current
children to remain with them.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/01/2026
Decision due: 12 Feb 2026 by Cabinet
Lead member: Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Paul_May@bathnes.gov.uk
Lead director: Director of Children’s Services & Education
Contact: Jean Kelly, Director of Children’s Services & Education Email: jean_kelly@bathnes.gov.uk.
EFP Reference: E3682