Foster carers protested at a council meeting, demanding fair pay as many leave the system due to low compensation and lack of support.
Carers from the IWGB Foster Care Workers Union gathered outside County Hall in Morpeth. They raised concerns about the local care system’s future. Many experienced carers have left due to years of pay freezes.
Recently, the council announced a pay increase for foster carers, but it still falls short compared to neighboring areas. A local foster carer, Kath Burn, voiced her worries during the meeting. She asked what the council was doing to ensure fair pay for foster carers.
She pointed out that low pay is causing a crisis in Northumberland’s foster care system. Many young people in care aren’t getting the support they need.
Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, responsible for children’s services, responded. He acknowledged the lack of pay increases over the years and assured that they are working on it.
He mentioned that they are trying to align payments with those in Newcastle and North Tyneside. They value the commitment of foster carers and want to support them better.
The council has started engaging with foster carers through bi-monthly meetings. They aim to build a trusting relationship and improve outcomes for children in care.
Despite the recent pay increase, Ms. Burn expressed that it’s still not enough. She highlighted the pay disparity with Cumberland, where carers earn significantly more.
Coun Renner-Thompson explained that they have introduced higher fees for tier three carers who take on extra training or children with special needs.
After the meeting, Ms. Burn shared her feelings of being undervalued. She works tirelessly to provide a loving home for vulnerable children.
She urged the council to recognize the dedication of foster carers and address the ongoing crisis. The council has also launched a recruitment campaign to attract more foster carers.
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