Emergency support measures demanded by North Yorkshire foster carers forced into poverty by cuts and cost of living crisis

• The petition, signed by over 120 North Yorkshire foster carers, demands an emergency increase in fees and allowances and free school meals for fostered children.
• 85% of local foster care workers report that their allowances do not cover the costs of fostering, undermining their ability to provide secure housing and proper care.
• This is also contributing to a dangerous shortage of carers, with 99% of North Yorkshire foster placements now occupied.

8 December 2022: Over 120 North Yorkshire foster care workers have written to Cllr Janet Sanderson, the Executive Member for Children’s Services, and Stuart Carlton, the Director of Children’s Services, to demand urgent emergency measures to improve conditions for fostered children. Their petition demands include an emergency increase in allowances in line with inflation, free school meals and recognition for their union, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB).

According to a survey of North Yorkshire foster care workers conducted by the IWGB in May 2022, 85% find that their allowances do not cover the costs of fostering, contributing to a dangerous shortage of carers in the area and forcing foster carers to rely increasingly on food banks. Only 7% said they would recommend fostering with North Yorkshire County Council.

Kenny Millard, chair, IWGB Foster Care Workers’ Branch, says “It is unacceptable and unsustainable that dedicated professionals providing 24/7 care for the community’s most vulnerable young people are being forced to subsidise the public service they provide. Investing in foster care is an investment in the future of North Yorkshire and the time to make that investment - and sit down to hear carers’ concerns - is now.”

Ann Parker, a North Yorkshire foster care worker in a Mockingbird Home Hub says, “It is heartbreaking to be forced into these positions by the council, positions in which children are unable to get the attention they need due to immense financial pressures on us that are entirely avoidable. We’re calling on the council to introduce these emergency measures because the young people we’re responsible for need and deserve a basic standard of living.”

Tim Larner, a foster carer in North Yorkshire who cares for a 17 year old with severe disabilities says, “The cost of living crisis has pushed us to breaking point and we’re so close to full capacity, no one knows where new children requiring care will find it. We go above and beyond what would be expected in any normal job to support these young people. Our commitment to them is taken advantage of by the council as an excuse to have us operate on the bare minimum, knowing that we will always put the wellbeing of the children first. It’s time the foster carers come together under one voice and demand better conditions. Children cannot be safe and happy unless their carers are safe and secure.”

For more information, contact

Marienna Pope-Weidemann, Head of Media & Communications

press@iwgb.co.uk