Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Department lacks systematic encouragement or direction for local authorities in supporting foster carers.
Conclusion
We asked the Department how it intended to overcome these barriers, and those of the cost of living, given these would not be addressed through the fostering hub. It told us that local authorities have a lot of discretion over the support they offer foster carers. It has seen, for example, local authorities provide small capital grants to allow for conversions and extensions of homes, or offer deductions on council tax. It is also expecting its pilot regional organisations to go further with the model of providing incentives.55 However, it told us it does not yet systematically encourage and direct local authorities in their approaches.56 Monitoring private providers
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 1 April 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗