Some parents of children in care to pay costs

The council says it is facing severe financial pressures

Some parents whose children are in foster care will have to contribute 50% of the council's costs due to budgetary pressures.

Derbyshire County Council has approved proposals for eligible parents to contribute half of the age-based fostering allowance for their children.

The authority said exemptions will apply including for parents receiving benefits, where the council has a statutory duty to protect children at risk of significant harm and where risks are unmanageable within the home.

A council spokesperson said it was "faced with severe financial pressures".

Budget deficit of £39m

The Conservative-led authority estimates as few as between 14 and 28 families will be eligible to be charged, based on its records over the last six months.

The policy was approved at a recent meeting, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Julie Patten, cabinet member for children and families, told the meeting current costs of a child in foster care was approximately £982 per month.

She said: "We think it’s a fair policy for those who can afford to do so.”

The council has not pursued contributions from eligible parents for their children’s care before, despite legislation allowing local authorities to do so.

However, the council is addressing an estimated budget deficit for the current 2024/25 financial year of more than £39m.

A council spokesperson added: "Maximising alternative sources of income is crucial if council tax is to remain at an acceptable level and service reductions are to be minimised."

The council has agreed to ask for this contribution while the child is under 16.

It can request a contribution from the youngster when they are aged 16 and over, but does not intend to do so.

Weekly fostering allowance rates in April 2024 were £179.20 for children aged 0 to 4, £198.57 for youngsters aged five to 10, and £226.69 for children aged 11 to 15.