Issue details

Review of Lancashire County Council Foster Carer Fees

 

 

This report proposes a revised payment structure for all approved Lancashire County Council Foster Carers. The proposals put forward are informed by detailed analysis of the financial support arrangements that exist in comparator Local Authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies. 

The proposed changes will deliver increased financial support to Lancashire Foster Carers, comparable to the allowances and fees that are received by carers for other local authorities and those who foster for an Independent Fostering Agency.

The overarching aim isto support the recruitment and retention of Lancashire Foster Carers against a national backdrop of insufficient carers for the children who require placements.  This will support our 'Where our Children Live' strategic aims to place children close to their home and networks of support, whilst seeking to reduce reliance on more costly Independent Fostering Agency placements.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C20 have been complied with.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure > £1,700,000;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/02/2022

Anticipated restriction: Part I  -

Decision due: 3 Mar 2022 by Cabinet

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Families

Lead director: Executive Director of Education and Children's Services

Contact: Heidi Fliegauf Email: heidi.fliegauf@lancashire.gov.uk, Paul McIntyre, Safeguarding Manager, Quality Assurance Inspection & Safeguarding Email: paul.mcintyre@lancashire.gov.uk, Joanne Shepherd Email: joanne.shepherd2@lancashire.gov.uk, Joan Wright Email: joan.wright@lancashire.gov.uk.

Decisions

Agenda items