Press releases

Minimum allowances - BAAF comment

Issued: 27 July 2006

David Holmes, BAAF Chief Executive, says: “BAAF welcomes the setting of national minimum allowance rates for foster care.  Looking after other people’s children costs money and foster carers need to have these costs fully covered if they are to have a fighting chance of giving these children the stability and security they so desperately need.  BAAF is sure that the 25% of local authorities that need to raise the rates they currently pay to meet the Government’s suggested rates will do so.  

“Let’s be clear, these national minimum allowances are for the basics. It is money to pay for the essential costs of looking after a child: food, clothes, transport, toys. Let’s also be clear, these are minimum allowances. Many Local Authorities are already paying more and this can only be good for the children in their care.

“This important development needs to be part of a continuing and concerted effort to ensure that when children become the responsibility of the State, for as long as this lasts, they can and will get the best.”

Ends

Notes to Editor

For more information, please call BAAF press office on 020 7421 2632 or email daisy.oclee@baaf.org.uk. For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.