The Cabinet of Shropshire Council decided on 09/09/2026 to approve an uplift to fostering Skills Payment by 5% effective from 01/04/2026. They also approved increasing the mileage rate paid to internal foster carers from £0.45 to £0.55 per mile from 01/04/2026. Additionally, the Cabinet approved increasing the amount of mileage that can be claimed by removing the requirement for foster carers to deduct the first 30-70 miles weekly, to commence from 01/04/2027. They further approved paying approved carers beyond the Care Plus rate with an additional Skills payment of £250 per week for the first 12 months as part of the Belonging and Stable Homes Scheme, and approved paying annual National Trust Membership for up to 100 fostering households. Finally, the Cabinet approved offering free parking to Shropshire Foster Carers at all council parking venues.