Local authority foster carer allowances uplifted above national recommendation

Foster carer allowances in Bridgend County Borough will be uplifted above the National Recommended Fostering Allowance to support carers during the cost-of-living crisis.

The increase was agreed during a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, 19 July and will see the allowance for carers go up by a further seven per cent, for the 2022 to 2023 financial period.

Additional measures agreed to help foster carers include introducing two weeks paid respite for all foster carers.

I’m delighted that we can make these crucial changes now to help foster carers in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

Not only are we making sure all our carers are at the National Minimum Standard, but we’re also increasing all rates by seven per cent so we can help support the vital work they do. Many people are really struggling right now, with costs rising and, in many cases, income not matching that increase.

We truly value our foster carers at Bridgend County Borough Council so being able to support them in any way we can is a priority for us. We’ve committed to reviewing further payments later in the year so we can continue to do everything we can to assist them.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Jane Gebbie

The council’s fostering team works with foster carers to ensure that local children and young people continue to live in their local area, close to their friends and school.

You can find out more about fostering with your local authority, by visiting the Foster Wales Bridgend website: https://bridgend.fosterwales.gov.wales or call the regional enquiry line: 01443 425007.