Foster carers in North Yorkshire are to be given an increase in their allowances for the second time this year to help counter the spiralling cost of living.
North Yorkshire County Council has announced that it has taken the decision to introduce the rise in fostering allowances amid concerns over the rapid rise in costs such as energy prices as well as food and essential items.
The annual allowances will be increased by a further four per cent from October 1, coinciding with the rise in energy bills nationally.
The increase from the start of next month comes in the wake of an initial 5.4 per cent rise in allowances for North Yorkshire’s foster carers that was instigated earlier this year from April 1.
It is understood that this is the first time that a second increase in allowances has been introduced in North Yorkshire within a 12-month period.
It is hoped that the move will ensure current foster carers can continue to provide vital support for hundreds of children across the county, as well as encouraging new recruits to sign up.
North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for children and families services, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said:
“We have great foster carers in the county, who on a daily basis do some incredible work, and we are fully committed to ensuring they are properly supported and rewarded.
“We would love to welcome new people to begin their fostering journey with us and encourage more people to consider fostering.
“Recruiting and retaining more foster carers ultimately means children can be looked after by our own carers within the county.”
Inflation fell for the first time in nearly a year during August as lower diesel and petrol prices took some pressure off struggling households.
However, the rate of inflation, which shows the increase in the cost of goods and services in the economy, remains close to a 40-year record.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index inflation reached 9.9 per cent in the year to August, down from 10.1 per cent the previous month.
North Yorkshire County Council looks after about 425 children at any one time, with the majority living with a foster family.
Foster carers across North Yorkshire provide an essential service in keeping children safe and cared for, helping youngsters to have a positive childhood and fulfil their potential.
There are currently 490 foster carers in a total of 295 households in North Yorkshire.
However, the county council’s Fostering North Yorkshire service needs more people to come forward and provide care for children and young people unable to live with their own families.
There are different types of fostering and different reasons that children may need foster care.
Some children need long-term care and some short-term care, while some need planned care for weekends or short breaks.
Anyone who has a spare room at their home and has provision to help become a foster carer is being urged to contact the Fostering North Yorkshire service.
Officials from the service hold regular online drop-ins as well as community events, and details can be found at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering-information-sessions
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