FOSTER carers employed by Devon County Council are set to receive a pay rise of less than two per cent from next month.

The council’s ruling cabinet is being recommended to approve the 1.75 per cent uplift when it meets later in the month. It would be the first increase  since 2019.

But the planned offer is significantly lower than inflation, which currently stands at 10.1 per cent and may increase further in the months ahead, though it is now thought unlikely to peak as high as previously forecast after the government intervened on soaring energy bills.

Foster carers can choose whether they apply to foster for a local authority or an independent fostering agency (IFA) to have children placed in their care. Both are regulated by Ofsted.

At present Devon County Council’s foster carers are paid a standard weekly allowance of £329.10, which includes an element for attending training and support groups. A further £90 or £160 may be paid if the child has additional needs.

The pay structure was introduced in January 2019 and the allowances have not been revised since then.

They are less than the rates of two local IFAs who pay carers standard allowances of between £400 and £435 per week according to a council report, rising to as much as £600.