A ‘huge blow’ – Fostering Network on SRA rates decision
Leading charity ‘extremely disappointed’ by news that Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) for foster carers and kinship carers will not be increased this year.
A decision by the Scottish government not to increase SRA rates paid to foster and kinship carers has received short thrift from the UK’s leading charity in the sector.
Photo by Annie Spratt
Indeed, the Fostering Network was instrumental in campaigning for a national allowance for foster carers. Scotland only introduced such an allowance in August last year, and was the last of the UK nations to do so. However, the equivalent minimum allowance paid out in England was increased by 6.88% this financial year. The charity says that by not matching this rise north of the border, ‘Scotland is again falling behind’.
In 2021, the charity’s State of the Nations’ Foster Care survey found that less than half of foster carers polled thought their allowances and expenses met the true costs of looking after a child in foster care. Since then, the number of fostering households in Scotland has continued to fall, with a shortfall of some 400 households this year. According to the charity’s research, financial support is a crucial factor in both recruiting and retaining fosterers.
Since its launch in August last year, SRA rates per week are:
- £168.31 for child aged 0-4
- £195.81 for child aged 5-10
- £195.81 for child aged 11-15
- £268.41 for young person aged 16+
The Fostering Network recommends that these rates be raised for children in foster and kinship during this 2024-25 financial year, as follows:
- £227 for child aged 0-4
- £275 for child aged 5-10
- £349 for child/young person aged 11+
The Scottish government has said it will review the SRA later this year. The Fostering Network has committed to informing this review and ensuring that foster carers’ voices are heard.
Anne Currie, Assistant Director of the Fostering Network in Scotland, says: ‘Scotland’s foster and kinship carers have waited far too long for the financial support they’re entitled to and this announcement will come as a blow to many who are struggling to make ends meet after a very difficult few years.
‘We know that the SRA isn’t enough; the true costs of looking after a child in foster care are well evidenced. The lack of an inflationary uplift to the SRA this year means a real-terms cut to its value, removing vital support from foster and kinship families. The Fostering Network is committed to working with the Scottish Government to change this situation so that fostering and kinship families get the financial support they deserve.’
In related news:
Quarter of Scottish care staff leave their jobs within three months
