URL: https://northlincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1614

Decision Maker: Children, Families and Young People Cabinet Member

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: 2        FOSTERING ALLOWANCE RATES 2026-27 – The Director: Children and Families submitted a report seeking approval to increase the allowance rate paid to foster carers in line with the Government’s recent announcement to raise the National Minimum Allowance.   North Lincolnshire Council had a long-standing record of ensuring children in care lived locally in high-quality foster care families. At that time, 83% children in foster care lived with North Lincolnshire Council approved foster carers (including kinship foster carers), which was significantly higher than in many other local authorities that had relied more heavily on independent fostering agencies and eternal residential homes.   Foster carers in North Lincolnshire had benefited from excellent support, with the Council investing in effective recruitment and marketing activity. The North Lincolnshire ‘offer’ had become more important than ever, given the increasing local presence of independent providers seeking to compete for new foster carers and to persuade existing fostering households to transfer.   The Care Standards Act 2000 had set out the Fostering National Minimum Standards, which Fostering Services and foster carers were required to adhere to. A key element of this had been the principle that foster carers should not be financially disadvantaged through undertaking their role.   North Lincolnshire had honoured the National Fostering Minimum Allowance, in many cases paying above these rates, and had offered where appropriate, enhanced financial packages based on the specific needs of children and in recognition of foster carer skills and experience. This, alongside the high levels of support from the fostering team and the family-focused culture of North Lincolnshire Council helps to retain foster carers in an increasingly competitive market.   In January 2026, the Government had announced an increase of 3.35% for the 2026/27 Fostering Minimum Allowance. The Government had stated that this was in line with inflation and Local Government affordability; any increase in rates should not have impacted upon other financial support already in place.   Resolved – That the increase in Foster Care allowances, as set out in the report, be approved.

Date of Decision: June 12, 2026