To approve an increase in the foster carers basic fostering allowance of 1%.

1.               In April each year the DfE issues recommended guidelines for foster carers.   The council did not fully implement these recommendations for four years following the implementation of the fee payment scheme which has led to some of our foster care allowances falling behind recommended rates.  

2.               The 2017 recommended DfE increase is 1.014% detailed below (inclusive of clothing, holiday and festival allowances) and is made across all age ranges and loosely linked to inflation:

Babies/toddlers       £128   

Primary                    £141

Secondary               £161

16-17  yrs                £188

3.               The impact of the 1% increase in Herefordshire is illustrated below and is also inclusive of clothing, festival and holiday allowances:

With 1% increase:                          Current rate without increase:

Babies/toddlers    £127                          £123.48

Primary aged     £144                             £138.05

Secondary aged   £202                           £199.21

16 – 17 year olds  £241                          £237.67

4.               The increase in allowances will allow the youngest age bands to gradually catch up as no increase was recommended by the DfE last year.

1.               Not to increase allowances. This is not recommended as it would mean that the council does not meet with the Department of Education guidelines (DfE).

2.               Increase the allowance to the youngest age bands only at a higher level of 3%. This is not recommended because it would adversely affect the care placement strategy which aims to attract and retain carers for the older and more challenging placements. This helps to reduce dependence on independent fostering agencies for this cohort. The council does not have as much difficulty in recruiting foster carers for the younger children under 11 years.