Foster carers get 16% pay rise and cash bonus

John Spence from Essex County Council said the pay increase was well deserved

Foster carers will receive a 16% average increase in fees to match the rate of inflation, Essex County Council has said.

The local authority also said new households signing up in 2025 - including those who fostered last year - would get a one-off £2,000 bonus.

Foster carers receive allowances that cover the expenses of looking after a child, whilst fees are a recognition of their time and effort.

John Spence, the Conservative cabinet member for children's services, said: "We are proud to announce these increases in recognition of the vital role that foster carers play in children and young people's lives."

The council said it had also committed funding to well-being support, including projects like The Oasis Network, which provided peer support and organised social events between foster families.

Essex County Council works with households, who apply to be foster families, for 12 weeks as part of the assessment process.

A social worker prepares a report and takes it to a fostering panel at the end of the process.

Foster carers receive £537.12 per week, per child - the council says - based on looking after an 11-15-year-old.

Fees can rise to £1,317.12 per week for children with complex needs.

The Foster East initiative was set up last year to address a shortage in foster carers coming forward.

It was estimated that more than 7,000 children were already in care in the East of England, with 150 more children going into care every month.