Lincolnshire County Council has announced it is increasing its fostering allowance.

From Saturday 1 April, the allowance will be raised by 12.4%.

On top of the increased weekly allowance paid to foster carers, there will continue to be extra payments to help with additional expenses to support fostering households.

There will also be an annual retention payment for foster families to say thank you for the amazing job they all do.

In addition, the council takes the opportunity to celebrate their fostering community in other ways, with events throughout the year, including an annual celebration, family fun days, a summer barbecue, and a Christmas party. Many local businesses and attractions also support Lincolnshire foster carers by offering discounted services.

The council's fostering families also have access to a wide range of support and an award-winning training and development offer, alongside regular professional supervision from a dedicated social worker. Foster carers' support also includes a team of therapeutic support staff, a local support network and 24 hours service with a dedicated local duty team.

Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children's services, said: "Foster carers provide a vital role in looking after some of the county's most vulnerable children. This allows them to grow up in a nurturing family home within their local community, keeping them connected with everything that's important to them. So, we're delighted to be able to provide our foster carers with some extra financial support at this time of rising living costs.

"In Lincolnshire, there is a need for residents to come forward for all types of fostering, especially to look after teenagers, siblings, children with additional needs and children who need long-term homes. Being a foster carer can be a challenging role, but it's also hugely rewarding. Foster carers often speak of a sense of pride in seeing the child develop and flourish.

"We always look to our own in-house foster carers first and are careful to ensure carers have the right knowledge, skills, and experience to meet children's needs, which means that our foster carers are more likely to get regular placements within their preferred age range and skill set. That makes Lincolnshire County Council the best option for fostering in the county."

For more information about fostering in Lincolnshire, please click here.