Decision details

To review a proposal to increase fees for foster carers to ensure the offer of Dorset Council is comparative to neighbouring authorities and recognises the work that out foster carers do for our children.

That there be a 15% increase to the overall payment for Dorset foster carers and supported lodging carers.

Reason for the decision

To progress work to ensure that foster carers and supported lodgings carers receive financial uplift in their overall payment to support sufficiency of Dorset Council carers and ensure carers were suitably financially rewarded for the invaluable role they play for our children in care and care leavers. Successful recruitment and retention of foster carers would support the health and wellbeing of our children in care and result in cost efficiencies for the Council through the reduced use of high-cost residential placements.