Foster family awarded £346,000 over false sex claims

Moray Council has been ordered to pay out £346,000 to a foster family over false accusations of “sexual impropriety”.

A compensation payment had been agreed between the local authority and the family, who had cared for a girl and two boys from 2012.

But Moray Council also lost an appeal over paying out other damages in the case.

The Sheriff Appeal Court ruling said members of the council's social work department had made "erroneous and misleading statements" about the family.

It also found there was also an "underlying prejudice" towards the family about how the children were being educated.

One of the false statements was an "allegation of sexual impropriety" against one of the foster carers.

Moray Council's appeal was refused and damages and expenses were awarded.

The council said it was a "significant sum" and said its fostering processes had changed since the case in question.

A spokesperson added: “Care Inspectorate reports since December 2017 show consistent improvement across the services involved in the care of children and young people in Moray.

"We are determined to continue that trajectory."