Purpose

Children’s Services pay a range of weekly allowances to carers of Children and Young People who are, or were, cared for by the Local Authority.  These allowances are determined by the age of the young person to whom they relate and are calculated with reference to the Government National Minimum Foster Care Allowances which are uplifted annually.  Children’s Social Care Policies and support plan documents state that these allowances will be uplifted annually in line with the foster care allowances.

Decision

That approval is given for an uplift of 3.4% from 6 April 2026 for allowances paid in respect of SGOs, Section 38 Court Directed Placements, Staying Put and Adoption and where the allowance is linked to the mainstream foster carer rates.

Reasons for the decision

Uplifts to mainstream foster carer allowances for 2026/27 were approved and implemented from 6 April 2026.  Allowances paid in respect of Special Guardianship Orders, Staying Put and Adoption have not yet been uplifted for the 2026/27 financial year.

Alternative options considered

Not to uplift allowances – this option was rejected as it would have been contrary to policy and agreed support plans.