Decision Maker: Service Director Childrens Social Care

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 18, 2025

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