A local authority has increased foster carer allowances to boost recruitment.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive board has approved and increase in order to recruit and retain foster carers.

In future the payment rates will reflect the new national minimum amounts the government set out in February 2023.

This will enable the local authority to base the annual uplift on inflationary basis against the national minimum standards.

The proposed rise would cost an additional £500,000 to the foster care payments budget in 2023/2024.

The meeting on Thursday night also approved a rise in the 'Staying Put' payments to foster families when 18-year-olds on their care opted to remain with them after their local authority placement ends.

They are paid until the young person is 21.

Children's services boss Councillor Julie Gunn said the number of your people remaining with their foster carers beyond 18 in the borough was higher than the national average.

But she warned of uncertainty in the future as the government grant £99,143 a year for 'Staying Put' payments was due to end in March 2025.

The meeting also authorised an uplift of 20 per cent for fostering short break payments.

It also agreed to enhance the foster carer financial, training and support offer to attract new applicants, and boost recruitment figures.

The moves were strongly endorsed by Blackburn with Darwen Council's Tory group leader Cllr John Slater.