URL: https://northlincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1615

Decision Maker: Children, Families and Young People Cabinet Member

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: 3        SUPPORTED LODGING PROVIDER RATES 2026-27 – The Director: Children and Families submitted a report seeking approval to increase the allowance rate paid to Supported Lodging Providers for 2026-27, in order to align North Lincolnshire Council rates with those of neighbouring authorities and ensure that the local offer for providers was competitive.   North Lincolnshire Council had a long-standing record of helping to ensure children lived with their families and in kinship arrangements. For those who had needed to enter the care of the local authority, remaining close to home had been an absolute priority, which was why continued efforts to retain supported lodgings providers had been essential.   At that time, there were very few children and young people living in supported lodgings households, however these arrangements had often been the best way for older children in care and care leavers to receive support whilst developing independence skills. Recruiting more supported lodgings providers had been identified as an important area of development within the Sufficiency Strategy.   Unlike with foster carers, supported lodgings provider rates had not been subject to government minimum allowance recommendations. In North Lincolnshire, the weekly rates had not been increased for three years and, as a result, the rates had fallen below those paid by neighbouring local authorities.   Resolved – That the percentage uplift to the Supported Lodging allowance, bringing weekly rates in line with those of neighbouring local authorities, as set out in the report, be approved.

Date of Decision: June 12, 2026