The 335 children in foster and kinship care in West Dunbartonshire will benefit from a new backdated cash allowance, say the council.

At a meeting of the local authority's Health & Social Care Partnership Board agreed on the introduction of a Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) for foster and kinship carers.

The new funding, which will see an additional £175,000 given to carers, will be backdated to April 1, 2023.

It means the new rates for Foster Carers and Kinship Carers per child are as follows:

·       0 to 4 years will receive £168.31 per week.

·       5 to 10 year olds £195.81

·       11 to 15 year-olds £218.60

·       16-years-old and over £268.41

Councillor Michelle McGinty welcomed the new money coming into carers and explained it means every eligible foster and kinship carer will receive at least a standard, national allowance, which recognises the valuable support they provide, no matter where they live.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we are recognising the significant work that foster carers and kinship carers carry out to provide a safe and caring home for some of the most vulnerable children in our society.  

“The new rates will address the financial pressures families face when taking on the additional responsibility of the health and wellbeing of another child who deserves the opportunity to live a safe and happy childhood.

“Foster carers and Kinship carers have a huge responsibility placed upon them and do an absolutely fantastic job in our community.”

The meeting to approve these new rates took place on Tuesday, September 19 where West Dunbartonshire Integrated Board Members reviewed the 2023/24 Financial Performance Report.