Council plea for more foster carers in Plymouth

There are 119 fostering households registered with the council but 534 children living in Plymouth

Plymouth City Council is urgently appealing for more foster carers to take in children in care.

It said there were 534 children living in care Plymouth, but there were only 119 fostering households registered with the council, it said.

Councillor Jemima Laing, cabinet member for Children's Social Care, said fostering was a "fantastic opportunity" and carers "could make a huge difference to a child's life".

"If fostering is something you're at all interested in, I would really encourage you to reach out to our fantastic team to ask any questions or visit our website to find out more about what's involved," she said.

To be considered, the council said applicants must be over the age of 21, have a spare room and be genuinely invested in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people.

Fosterers could also be entitled to financial allowances of between £350 and £779 per child, per week, depending on the child's age and individual needs.

The payment includes a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child or young person as well as a reward payment.

Many foster carers are also eligible for a 50% council tax discount, or full exemption, said the council.