Increase to foster carers' weekly fees

Councillors in East Lothian have agreed to increase the fees paid to local foster carers in recognition of the valuable role that they play in the lives of children and young people. The decision was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 12 March.

East Lothian Council will increase its weekly payment from £160 for carers of 0-11 year olds and £220 for young people aged 12 and over, to £315 per week regardless of the age of the child. An enhanced payment of £365 per week will be paid to existing ‘level 3’ carers who have significant experience. The new rate will take effect from 1 April 2024.

Important role

The increased payment reflects the important role that East Lothian foster carers play in keeping children and young people within local communities when they need care outwith their home. A shortage of local foster carers means that children and young people may be moved to available homes outside the county disrupting connections with schools, friends and family members at an already difficult time. It also reflects the higher costs of living that all families face.

It is hoped that a more streamlined payment structure and higher weekly fee will retain existing carers and encourage new ones to come forward. The council’s children’s services team are urgently seeking more local foster carers to bring children or young people who are in an out of area placement, home to East Lothian.

'Positive relationships'

The Council’s Fostering Service was recently praised by the Care Inspectorate for the support it provides to caregivers and the difference it is making in the lives of children and young people requiring foster care. Describing the support for wellbeing as ‘4: good’ and the planning of care and support ‘5: very good’, the Inspectorate concluded that caregiver families benefited from positive relationships and responsive support to assist them in their role. Carers were quoted as saying “the staff are always accessible and there to help” and “our social worker always supports us well”. Inspectors also highlighted the enduring and loving relationships that children experienced with their foster carers and improvements in their well-being as a result of the stability they receive.

Find out more about fostering

To find out more about fostering with East Lothian Council visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/fostering or call 01620 827 643.