Cumbrian foster carers will see their fees double following a county council decision.

The decision is intended to make becoming a foster carer a financially viable option bringing Cumbria in line with the fees paid by neighbouring local authorities and independent fostering agencies.

A newly-approved foster carer, with increased fees and a weekly allowance, will now receive up to £282 a week for each child they care for; experienced carers up to £479.

The increase in fees will be implemented from April 2 2018.

Coun Anne Burns, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We know people don’t become foster carers because of the money, but providing the right financial support is important.

"I hope that this decision demonstrates how much we value our existing carers and attracts new carers to come forward.

“We need more local carers so we can meet the needs of children in Cumbria, in their own communities. While there will always be a need to place children with independent fostering agencies, our aim is to ensure as many of our young people as possible are well-matched with Cumbria’s own foster carers and can benefit from the excellent support networks we provide.

“There is agreement within the council that this is the right thing to do - both for our foster carers and for the children in our care.”

While in the short term the increase in fees will be an additional cost to the council of £1.3m a year, it is forecast that by 2022/23 there will be a reduction in costs of around £600,000 a year as a result of reduced reliance on placing children with independent fostering agencies or in residential care which tends to be higher cost. The savings assume an increase of 15 fostering households each year.

Overall, all changes taken together are forecast to reduce costs by £1.5m by 2022/23 while also improving the availability of appropriate care options in the county.

Coun Burns added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to make these changes. They put us in the best possible position to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children in Cumbria and work with our carers to encourage more people to join Cumbria’s biggest family.”

To find out more about fostering with Cumbria County Council visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/fostering or call 0303 333 1216.