Foster carers in Stirling have been left feeling “totally undervalued” as low pay rates struggle to keep up with the cost of living, according to one councillor.
The current system means that local authorities set the rate of daily allowances available for foster carers to access to help with bringing up the children in their care - but those rates are increasingly being left behind as costs continue to surge.
The issue is set to be raised at Thursday’s full meeting of Stirling Council, with Bannockburn councillor Alasdair Macpherson set to call for the administration to meet with officers over a potential review into the allowances currently paid to foster carers across the region.
Mr Macpherson has thrown his support behind the issue after meeting with a group of around 20 foster carers and is hoping for cross-party support from members on letting Stirling lead the way for other councils across Scotland.
In his question - set to be heard by councillors on Thursday - Mr Macpherson writes: “Stirling Council has said on many occasions it greatly appreciates the fantastic work that foster carers do for our most vulnerable children.
“Words are cheap - so we must go further to support them during these difficult times.
“It is deeply regretful that the vast majority of foster carers did not qualify for any financial support during Covid lockdowns due to the criteria set by the Scottish Government. They had to absorb the extra costs of children learning from home.
“Foster carers receive a daily allowance which varies between £19.58 and £33.77, the vast majority receive £24.17 per day, which is just over £1 per hour.
“They are not given extra funding to buy school uniforms or meals and their allowance is removed if they take respite, which they need due to the nature of their job.
“They were previously paid an extra telephone allowance, but this was removed without any consultation. This has still not reinstated - despite assurances during previous budget decisions.
“They are also paid far less mileage costs than council employees.
“Foster carers are deeply concerned for the future as they fear they are going to struggle to financially support our children due to the cost of living crisis.
“This is an opportunity for Stirling Council lead from the front on this issue and pay our foster carers an allowance which fairly rewards them for the love they give to our most vulnerable children and which also reflects the challenges of today.”
One local foster carer, who spoke to the Observer on condition on anonymity, backed the move and said the stresses of the pandemic had worsened the impact of the pay concerns.
They said: “It was a very difficult time and because everyone else withdrew, we were left with the kids 24/7 with no extra money to entertain them.
“There are children in care for whom Stirling Council is the corporate parent and they are falling into poverty; children in care don’t qualify for child payments or free school meals or the school clothing grant.
“We care so much about the children and that’s why we do it and every foster carer dips into their own pocket but the money given isn’t enough and you’re always being asked why we can’t live in a bigger house or go abroad.
“I know one carer with a teenage girl who could only afford to send her on one school trip and it’s not really fair on them that they can’t go on both.
“I don’t think there will be changes to be honest, it would be great if there were but I don’t think foster carers are really valued.
“We’re not being greedy for ourselves, we just want to make sure the children have what their peers are having; we know they can’t have everything but it’s not nice to have to make that decision on whether they can go places their peers can.”
