Purpose

The Government Minister for Children, Families
and Wellbeing via a letter dated 22nd January 2025 recommended that
the weekly National Minimum Allowance (NMA), taking into account
changes in inflation and what is affordable for local government,
were uplifted for this financial year by 3.55%.

The percentage increase to Doncaster to match the 2025/26 NMA
ranges from 3.29% to 3.74% depending on age banding.

The total estimated annual cost of the allowance increases is
£87,392 which will be funded from price inflation budget
allocated to Children, Young People & Families for CYPF
Placements
£932,000 and for Looked After Children Allowances
£215,000 which was included in the Revenue Budget 2025/26
– 2027/28 report (page 41) agreed by Full Council on the
27th
February 2025.

Content

1. To increase the weekly Fostering
Allowances, to be paid in Financial Year 2025/26 to be in line with
the weekly National Minimum Allowance (NMA) recommended by the
Government Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing.

2. Fostering Skills Payments to remain unchanged for Financial Year
2024/25