Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People.

Report of the Director of Children’s Services

Contact: Karen Bradshaw  Tel: 01743 254201

RESOLVED:

i)             That the proposed new Policy ‘Payment Arrangements for Foster Carers’ be approved and that it takes effect from 1 April 2016; and

ii)            That the potential financial pressure associated with this change in policy be reviewed and noted.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Support presented a report from the Director of Children’s Services on the Foster Care Payments Policy and drew attention to the budgetary impact of back pay and the projected spend up to March 2017. 

Cabinet noted the aim of the Policy to ensure retention and recruitment of sufficient foster carers to meet the needs of Looked After Children in the county and to effectively compete with independent foster care agencies; the Policy provided a level playing field where all foster carers would receive the same level of allowances and the same amount of training.  The excellent work provided by foster carers in the county was recognised and praised.

RESOLVED:

i)             That the proposed new Policy ‘Payment Arrangements for Foster Carers’ be approved and that it takes effect from 1 April 2016; and

ii)            That the potential financial pressure associated with this change in policy be reviewed and noted.