Foster care allowances

Request the rates paid to foster carers by age band and any additional allowances.

Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the cost of looking after a child. Rates vary between councils and are not always published, so a request can help you find out how your council compares.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The weekly foster care allowance rate for each age band of child. 2. Any additional allowances or enhancements available (e.g. for children with complex needs, sibling groups, or holiday periods). 3. The fee or reward element paid to foster carers, if separate from the maintenance allowance. 4. The number of approved foster carers currently registered with the council. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council’s children’s services or fostering team. Find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • Most councils separate the maintenance allowance (to cover the child’s costs) from the fee or reward (to recognise the carer’s skills). Ask for both to get the full picture.
  • Since 2023, the Scottish Government has set a Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA), a minimum maintenance rate that councils are expected to meet. Compare what your council pays against the SRA to see whether it meets the minimum.
  • The Fostering Network also publishes its own recommended minimum rates, which are higher than the SRA. Both are worth comparing against.
  • Some councils publish their fostering fees on their website. Check before submitting your request.