The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “AS”) which sets out the proposals to;

Align the level of fostering allowances ensuring that payments for all fostering, special guardianship, Child Arrangement Orders (formerly Residence Orders) and adoption are all paid at the same rates as required by law.

The proposal to bring fostering allowances in line with statutory requirements will achieve affordable equity for children for whom Bradford has a financial responsibility by ensuring that they are not disadvantaged as a result of the permanency option that best meets their needs.

Recommended –

That Option 2 – Reducing Fostering allowances to the Government minimum allowances over a two year period with effect from 01 April 2017 be approved.

Overview and Scrutiny Area:  Children’s Services

                                                                        (Jim Hopkinson - 01274 432904)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “AS”) which set out the proposals to;

Align the level of fostering allowances ensuring that payments for all fostering, special guardianship, Child Arrangement Orders (formerly Residence Orders) and adoption are all paid at the same rates as required by law.

The Assistant  Director Social Care stated that the proposal to bring fostering allowances in line with statutory requirements would  achieve affordable equity for children for whom Bradford has a financial responsibility, by ensuring that they are not disadvantaged as a result of the permanency option that best meets their needs.  Furthermore the proposal would align rates to the national allowances rate, adding that despite the changes Bradford’s fees and allowances were still higher than its West Yorkshire counterparts and that the reduction will be phased in over a 2 year period.

The Assistant Director alluded to the consultation process that had been undertaken with Foster Carers, with two consultation events being held towards the end of 2016.  The overwhelming majority of the Foster Carers were unhappy with the proposed changes and expressed concerns at the adverse impact the changes would have.

A number of Foster Carers were present at the meeting to express their opposition to the proposals, and a representative made the following points:

That the Foster Carers had listened to what had been said today and were only acutely aware of the impact of last years reductions.  That people had been informed very late about todays’ meeting and that the decision was unlikely to change despite the strong objections raised, as a similar process had been gone through last year.  That they had spoken to a number of Associations and some Authorities pay no fees, just allowances.  He stressed that as Foster Carers they felt that they were easy targets and did not have a voice, hence unionisation was a way forward.  He expressed concern that money was now being taken from children and the issue needed revisiting.

A representative from the GMB union was also present and stated that Foster Carers were being penalised year on year and that Calderdale Council had agreed to increase its payments to Foster Carers.  She added that inadequate notice had been given about today’s meeting.  That a number of inaccurate statements had been made during the consultation process and that teenagers would particularly loose out under the proposals. That there was a danger that a number of carers would transfer to independent fostering agencies and it was therefore important to listen to the concerns expressed by Foster Carers. 

The Assistant Director Social Care acknowledged the comments and passion expressed, and he stressed that the work and value Foster Carers brought was appreciated.  However the legal advice was clear about paying differential allowances, as there was the possibility of legal challenge.  He alluded to the consultation exercise, that it had been well attended and there had been a genuine opportunity to have a meaningful dialogue. In relation to the fees and allowances paid by other West Yorkshire local authorities, they had been checked and they were correct at the time of press.  He added that there was no limitations on Foster Carers contacting other local authorities, or independent agencies, however the intention would be to phase the proposals over a 2 year period.

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder acknowledged that this was a very difficult decision and that the work done by Foster Carers was fully appreciated, hence the proposals would be staggered over a 2 year period.

Resolved –

That Option 2 – Reducing Fostering allowances to the Government minimum allowances over a two year period with effect from 01 April 2017 be approved.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Overview and Scrutiny Area:  Children’s Services