Foster carers are to get a cash boost to help their families weather the cost of living crisis. Those living in Stockport will see their allowances and fees go up by 8pc from April, ‘delighted’ council bosses have announced.
They will also see the amount they are paid for the ‘refer a friend’ scheme double from £500 to £1,000. ‘Louise’, a foster carer in the borough, has praised the council for the move.
She said: “No one goes into fostering for money, however the cost of living was impacting carers ability to pay for household bills and ultimately giving the children everything they could without subsidising themselves. We are delighted that the council has recognised that Stockport children need to be supported financially when they cannot, for whatever reason, live with their birth family.
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"Personally as a carer I feel extremely valued that my fee for being a carer is being increased.” She was also concerned fostering could have become ‘the preserve of those with additional incomes’, something she believes is ‘not right’.
“Our local children need foster carers from across every social and economic status, employed, self employed, retired, on benefits, single, couples and big families,” Louise added.
“I really hope that more local people will come forward to foster now. The 8pc uplift has left me feeling truly valued – the cost of living crisis has been like a black cloud raining down, but this feels like the sun has started to come out again!”
Stockport council has also ensured its fostering allowances are at least 5pc above the government recommendation, and this 8pc rise will enhance that offer.
Geoff Durbin, vice chair of Stockport Foster Carers Association, said it was a ‘fantastic result’ - and much appreciated given the ‘huge pressures on council budgets’.
He said: “The fee uplift is yet another example of the benefits of a fostering service and fostering association working together in close partnership, and ultimately of course it helps towards ensuring that foster carers are financially able to care for the needs of some of Stockport’s most vulnerable children, who always remain our prime concern when these matters are considered.”
Foster carers in Stockport care for a local child or young person, so they can continue to live in Stockport, close to their friends and school and receive extensive local training and support to help them on their fostering journey and become part of Stockport’s fostering community.
Coun Wendy Meikle, cabinet member for children, families and education, said she was proud the local authority had been able to help foster carers at a challenging time. She said: “We highly value our foster carers and are delighted to being able to support them by increasing all payment allowances and fees by 8pc so we can help support the vital work they do.
Those who want to find out more about becoming a foster carer for Stockport council can call 0161 474 3400 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/fostering
There are also regular fostering information sessions and dates can be found here.
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