To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of (i) foster carer allowance rates in Northern Ireland, when compared to those in other parts of the UK and with reference to the current cost of living crisis; and (ii) how these rates are affecting the number of (a) new; and (b) continuing foster carers.

(i) An uplift to foster care allowances in Northern Ireland was applied in August 2022, aimed at closing the gap between rates payable in Northern Ireland and comparable rates in other parts of the UK. This resulted in an increase of approximately 3 per cent on 2021/22 rates, backdated to 1 April 2022. This brings allowances in Northern Ireland in line with national minimum allowances rates payable in areas of England outside London and the South East.

In addition to basic allowances, foster carers also receive additional allowances, such as for birthdays, Christmas, holidays and outings. These other allowances have also been uplifted in line with the increases applied to the basic rates.

I recognise that foster carers, like all families, will be experiencing increases in the cost of living. Regrettably, my Department is facing a significant financial shortfall and the uplifts applied to foster care allowances in 2022/23 represent what is affordable within these significant financial constraints.

(ii) There are approximately 2,800 foster carers in Northern Ireland, providing much needed care and support to the vast majority of children in care. At a time when we have more children in care than ever before, it is vital that new carers are encouraged to come forward, and that those currently caring for a child are supported to continue in their role. In 2021/22, the regional Fostering and Adoption service received 652 enquiries from prospective foster carers, an increase of 2.5% on the previous year. In addition, more than 500 enquiries were prompted by a recent campaign seeking carers and hosts for refugee children and young people.

During my time as Health Minister I have supported a number of recruitment campaigns to encourage new carers to come forward and have provided additional financial support to help foster carers meet the challenges of the pandemic and sustain foster placements. The foster carers I meet are clear that financial rewards are not their primary motivation, and it is important to recognise that a range of other factors—such as the support provided by social workers and being seen as a valued member of the team around the child—are also essential in promoting and sustaining foster care. Nevertheless, I understand that rises in the cost of living will cause additional challenges for many. My Department is continuing to engage with foster carers and their representatives—including through the ongoing Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services—about their experiences, but I regret that within the current budget constraints it is not possible to provide additional financial support at this time. I will, of course, keep this under review.