A RANGE of financial incentives for new and existing foster carers in Ealing has been agreed.

The measures include increased allowances, council tax exemptions and free parking permits.

Ealing is making a determined effort to boost the number of in-house foster carers in the borough.

Cllr Josh Blacker, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Start, said: “Our local carers do an incredible job, supporting some of our children and young people when they are most vulnerable.

“Sadly, we just don’t have enough of them for the number of children who need their help.

“Fostering recruitment and retention is a national challenge and particularly acute in Ealing.

“We know that, if we can place a child with one of our own foster carers, it will provide them with greater stability and continuity by maintaining links with their community.

“It will enable children to continue to attend their school or nursery, see their friends and family, and continue to access local services.”

The new package includes:

  • an increase in foster carers’ weekly payments of 18.5%
  • foster carers who live in the borough will no longer have to pay council tax
  • existing Ealing carers who live outside the borough, will be reimbursed the equivalent of their council tax
  • a new parking permit for foster carers allowing free parking in controlled parking zones borough-wide (available from April 2025)
  • complimentary garden waste collection

Call 0800 731 6550, or email fosteradopt@ealing.gov.uk for more details.