Purpose

The purpose of this report is to outline the requirement to increase the payments to Foster Panel members. To remain competitive with other Local Authorities as currently Knowsley are one of the lowest paying authorities and support the retention and recruitment of the Fostering Panel members.

Decision

That the Executive Director (Children’s Services)

           Approve the increase in payments to Foster Panel members.

-         Currently the Foster Panel members receive a payment of £60 for a half day panel (1-3 items) and £100 for a full day panel (3-5 items.)

-         Increase the rate to £90 for a half day panel (1-3 items) and £120 for a full day panel (3-5 items.)

This will cost the service between £2,400 and £7,200 additional to the current rates based on between 18 and 20 panels per year with 6 members per panel, depending on if they are half day or full day.  This will be funded by the council’s contingency for pay inflation.

Alternative options considered

The alternative would be to continue to pay the existing rate of foster panel members payment. The risk to recruitment and retention of existing foster panel members would suggest that this should not be considered as a viable option.