Foster carers in Oldham have received a 10 per cent boost in their benefits.
Millions of pounds have been invested into Oldham's children and young people as part of a huge £14.7m investment in children's social care services.
Part of this investment has now gone towards supporting foster carers with a 10 per cent increase in their allowances and skills payments each year.
Due to a shortage of foster carers in the borough, the funds will also be used to recruit five new specialist foster carers with the view to train and better support those caring for Oldham's most vulnerable children.
Oldham Council Leader, Councillor Amanda Chadderton, said: “The 10 per cent increase in skills payments and allowances is yet another example of the benefits of fostering for Oldham Council and ultimately of course it helps towards ensuring that foster carers are financially able to care for the needs of some of Oldham’s most vulnerable children, who always remain our prime concern when these matters are considered.
“We are fortunate to have many exceptional foster carers in Oldham but unfortunately the number of children in need of a home continues to rise and there is an urgent need to both recruit more foster carers and keep hold of those already caring for our children.
“Oldham Council has always offered competitive financial support to its foster carers but the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on caring for a child cannot be ignored.
“The proposed increases will help us retain our current foster carers and recruit more including five more specialised Foster Carers, minimising the number of children that are placed away from their friends and school.
“Every child in Oldham deserves to be given the very best start in life and the opportunity to fulfill their potential. That's why we’ve increased our Foster Carer’s benefits who support those children and young people that need it the most; with almost £15m invested into our children's social care services.
“We are making sure all Foster Carers have received the well-deserved uplift. We highly value our foster carers at Oldham Council so being able to support them as best we can is our priority.”
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