Foster carers and Special Guardianship carers will be receiving a one-time additional allowance from Knowsley Council in recognition of the extra expenses incurred during the current cost of living crisis.
The decision was taken after councillors became concerned about the financial burden that the cost of living crisis combined with the soaring energy costs are having on Knowsley Council’s Foster Carers, who are crucial in supporting some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the borough.
Foster carers have seen an increase in costs for a range of things including food, toiletries and other costs including heating and petrol. The Council has now agreed additional financial support to help carers meet these additional costs – and as recognition for the hard work and dedication these incredible people provide.
As a result, Foster Carers working directly for Knowsley Council will receive a one-time additional allowance from the Council and are able to apply for additional money if they have specific expenses that aren’t covered.
In total, the Council is investing around £60,000 to support carers this winter, funded from the £9m support package being managed by Knowsley Council – £3.415m from the Council’s own Knowsley Better Together Hardship Fund, along with £5.586m from the Government’s Household Support Fund.
Cllr Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We have been listening to our Foster Carers and Special Guardianship carers, who are telling us that the cost of caring has increased due to the current cost of living crisis. Our foster carers provide exceptional care on behalf of Knowsley Council and on behalf of our community. It is important that we support them in order that they can continue to deliver the very best quality care to some of our most vulnerable children.”
Foster carers in Knowsley provide support and care in a family setting and enable children to stay in their local community with everything that is familiar to them. This minimises further disruption to their lives by helping them stay in their school, close to their friends, and maintaining connections with other family members.
If you would like to find out more about fostering or if you are an existing Foster Carer who is thinking about transferring, then get in touch with Knowsley’s Fostering Service who would be delighted to speak to you about it.
To find out more or to get in touch call 0151 443 3959 or visit https://fostering.knowsley.gov.uk