The report proposes an uplift of payments made to fostering households in Wirral to support foster carers combat the cost of living rise. This increase in payments will also help with the retention of foster carers within wirral. The uplift equates to 4 payments of £150 during the current financial year (2022/23) for each of the 298 fostering households which equates to £178,000 in costs to the local authority. During this time, a review will take place of skills payments to foster carers to support recruitment and retention as well as the increase in skill sets of foster carers who will be able to care for children with higher levels of complex behaviour and who have suffered trauma history.

It is not a key decision.

To Director of Children’s Services has approved an uplift for Wirral Council fostering households of £150 per three-month period for 12 months from April 2022 to March 2023, at a total cost of £178,000.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To support in house foster carers during this time of increased cost of living expenses when caring for children who are looked after by the Local Authority. By providing this additional financial support to carers, this will assist in retaining foster carers whom without extra support may seek to foster for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) who pay higher allowances to foster carers. Wirral children placed with IFA’s often cost the Council more than double the in house fostering rates. This will also support the recruitment of new carers who will be made aware of the additional support the Council is providing.