Can local authority foster rates differ between age groups?

Local authority fostering allowances are commonly organised into age bands, so the amount paid for a placement may change as a child moves from one band to another. This reflects the different day-to-day costs associated with caring for children at different stages of development, although the structure is not identical in every local authority.

Age bands and payment schedules

A local authority may set separate rates for babies and very young children, primary-school-aged children, younger teenagers and older teenagers or young adults. Some authorities use different categories or combine certain ages. The relevant schedule should state the age range covered by each band and the allowance that applies to it.

Age is usually considered at the point the placement is made, but the position can vary when a child reaches the next band. A carer should check whether the allowance changes automatically on a birthday, from the next payment period, or following an updated agreement with the fostering service. The child’s social worker or fostering team should be able to explain how the local schedule operates.

Why rates may increase with age

The cost of caring for a child is not limited to food and clothing. As children grow, their needs may include larger clothing and footwear, increased food costs, travel to education or activities, mobile phone or communication costs, and equipment that supports independence. Teenagers may also need help preparing for adulthood, including budgeting, travel and other practical arrangements.

Babies and younger children can involve different expenses, such as specialist equipment, nappies, formula where appropriate and arrangements for frequent appointments. This does not mean that one age group is necessarily more expensive overall. Costs depend on the child’s individual circumstances and the support required, which is why an age-based tariff is only one part of the payment assessment.

Factors that can affect the amount paid

The age-related allowance may be separate from other elements of a fostering payment. Depending on the local authority and the placement agreement, the total may also be influenced by:

• the type of placement, such as a short-break, emergency, respite or permanent arrangement;
• whether the placement involves siblings;
• the child’s health, disability, education or emotional needs;
• the level of supervision, transport and appointments required;
• whether the placement is assessed as specialist or more complex; and
• the foster carer’s approved skills, training and experience, where a fee or professional payment is included.

The standard age-band allowance should not be assumed to cover every additional cost. A local authority may have separate payments, agreed expenses or enhanced arrangements for particular needs. These should be confirmed before accepting a placement, rather than relying on the basic rate alone.

Age-related allowances and foster carer fees

It is useful to distinguish between the allowance and any fee. The allowance is intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for the child. A fee, where offered, recognises the foster carer’s time, skills and responsibilities. Some local authorities show these as separate amounts, while others present their payment structure differently. The schedule or foster carer agreement should explain what each payment represents and whether age affects one element or both.

How to compare rates accurately

When reviewing an age-based schedule, check the following details:

• the exact age ranges and the date on which a child moves into the next band;
• whether the figures are weekly, fortnightly or monthly;
• whether the amount shown is an allowance, a fee or a combined payment;
• which routine costs are expected to be met from the standard payment;
• how additional expenses and specialist needs are authorised; and
• how the authority deals with birthdays, changes in placement type and changes in the child’s needs.

Rates can change when a local authority reviews its fostering policy, so an older schedule may not show the current position. Ask the relevant fostering service for the latest written information and read it alongside the proposed placement agreement. If you are considering fostering through a local authority, you can also ask the fostering team to explain how its age bands would apply in practical terms before you make an application or agree to a placement.