Earlier this year, 12th June 2024, Bedford Borough Conservatives took decisive action and doubled the financial support given to foster carers, boosting their allowance by 8.6%, almost doubling the national uplift of 4.6%.

This increase will potentially benefit more than 250 children in care, supported by 50 in-house foster placements, 32 family and friends’ placements, and numerous Special Guardians who care for previously looked-after children.

This initiative comes in addition to the Borough Council joining “Foster East”, a collaborative partnership of 11 local authorities in the East of England. Taken together these measures establish local Councils as the best place to begin your foster carer journey as we can offer outstanding training opportunities, generous allowances and robust support networks.

Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children's Services, Councillor Jane Walker commented, 

“Our foster carers are the cornerstone of our community, ensuring children in care in Bedford Borough not only stay connected to their schools, local communities, and support networks, but thrive.

This 8.6% increase in their allowances is more than just financial support – it is a commitment by Bedford Borough’s Conservative Group that we are here to make a real difference in our community.”

For those interested in fostering, please contact Bedford Borough Council by either Email: [email protected] or by calling on Tel: 01234 718 718 for more information.