The Fostering Network conducted a survey of foster carers in England.
Across the UK, all foster carers receive a weekly fostering allowance which is designed to cover the cost of caring for a fostered child. Fee payments can be made on top of allowances to recognise a foster carer’s time, skills and experience. However, there is no requirement for fee payments to be made.
In England, 58% of respondents said they got a fee which is separate from the allowance, 24% got a lump sum and 15% did not get a fee payment. 57% get a fee which is distinct and separate from the allowance.
The survey results suggest that it is far more common for foster carers to be paid a lump sum if they foster for an independent fostering provider than a local authority. Family and friends foster carers are less likely to get a fee payment than mainstream foster carers. One third of family and friends foster carers get a separate fee compared with 61 per cent of their peers.
See the full report here.