Your Rights as a UK Foster Carer(2025-26)
Foster carers are the backbone of the UK care system, yet many don't know their full entitlements. This guide covers current allowance rates, support during allegations, notice periods, and where to get free advice.
National Minimum Allowance Rates (2025/26)
The government sets minimum weekly allowances that every fostering service must pay to cover the cost of caring for a child. These are minimums — many agencies pay above these rates, and professional fees (also called skills fees) are paid separately on top. England saw a 3.55% uplift for 2025/26.
🏴 England — Weekly Minimum Allowance (April 2025 – April 2026)
| Child's Age | London | South East | Rest of England |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 years | £198 | £189 | £170 |
| 3 to 4 years | £201 | £196 | £176 |
| 5 to 10 years | £225 | £216 | £194 |
| 11 to 15 years | £257 | £247 | £220 |
| 16 to 17 years | £299 | £288 | £258 |
🏴 Wales (2.6% uplift)
- 0–4 years: £224/week
- 5–15 years: £204/week
- 16–17 years: £255/week
Many Welsh councils pay above these minimums.
🏴 Scotland (SRA, 1.7% uplift)
- 0–4 years: £171.17/week
- 5–15 years: £199.14/week
- 16+ years: £272.97/week
Scottish Recommended Allowance from April 2025.
Northern Ireland (3% uplift)
- Rates vary by Trust
- 3% uplift announced
- Contact your Trust
Check with your Health and Social Care Trust for exact rates.
Allowance vs. Fee: What's the Difference?
Fostering Allowance
Covers the cost of caring for the child:
- • Food, clothing, toiletries
- • Transport (school runs, activities)
- • Pocket money for the child
- • Household costs (heating, water, electricity)
- • Birthday and holiday costs
Not taxed (up to qualifying care relief limits)
Professional/Skills Fee
Payment for your time and skill as a carer:
- • Recognition of your expertise
- • Varies by agency and level
- • Usually increases with experience
- • Not all LAs pay a separate fee
- • IFAs typically pay higher fees
May be taxable — check with HMRC
Your Rights During an Allegation
Allegations are one of the most stressful experiences a foster carer can face. The Fostering Network's "State of the Nation's Foster Care" survey (2021) found that 14% of foster carers had experienced at least one allegation in the preceding two years, with the majority (61%) ultimately found to be unfounded. Here's what you're entitled to:
Right to be informed
You must be told about the allegation as soon as possible, unless police advise otherwise.
Right to an independent support worker
Your agency should provide a separate worker to support you (not the same person investigating).
Right to representation
You can bring a supporter or legal representative to any meetings or panels.
Right to continued allowance
If a child is removed during an investigation, many agencies continue paying your allowance or a retainer.
Right to a timely investigation
Investigations should not drag on indefinitely. You have the right to ask for updates and timescales.
Right to appeal
If the outcome is unfavourable, you have the right to appeal through a formal complaints process or the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM).
Critical: Your daily logs are your primary defence during an allegation. Date-stamped, contemporaneous records carry far more weight than statements written after the fact.
Notice Periods & Placement Endings
If you want to end a placement, or if the agency wants to move a child, there are expectations around notice periods. These aren't always set in law (foster carers are not employees), but good practice and your foster carer agreement should cover this.
28 days is the standard notice period for planned placement endings (non-emergency).
Emergency moves can happen without notice if there's an immediate safety concern.
De-registration: If your agency wants to de-register you, you have the right to appeal to the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM).
Transfer: You can transfer to a different agency if you're unhappy. Your new agency handles the transfer process.
Where to Get Free Help & Advice
FosterLine
Free, confidential advice for foster carers. Run by the Fostering Network.
0800 040 7675
fosterline.info
The Fostering Network
UK's leading fostering charity. Membership includes legal advice and insurance.
020 7620 6400
thefosteringnetwork.org.uk
Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)
Free independent review if you disagree with a decision about your approval.
0113 202 2080
irm@irm.org.uk · Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm
FosterWiki
Free online resource by foster carers, for foster carers. Covers rights, finances, and support.
fosterwiki.com
Community-run, fully independent
Tax & Qualifying Care Relief
Foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief (QCR), a tax exemption that means most carers pay little or no income tax on their fostering income.
How it works (2025/26)
- • You get a fixed tax-free household amount of £19,690 per year (shared if fostering as a couple)
- • Plus £415 per week for each child under 11
- • Plus £495 per week for each child aged 11 or over
- • If your total fostering income is below these thresholds, you pay zero tax
You still need to register as self-employed with HMRC and file a tax return, even if no tax is due. The Fostering Network provides free guidance on completing your tax return.
How much of your life is lost to paperwork?
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