LESS than half of Devon’s foster carers have claimed a council tax discount they are now eligible to receive.

While 144 payments have been made to foster carers, it’s understood that a further roughly 200 individuals could make such a claim.

Foster carers looking after children for 13 to 26 weeks are now offered a 25 per cent rebate on part of their council tax, while those caring for children for more than 26 weeks will be able to secure a 50 per cent rebate on that portion.

This rebate applies to the part of residents’ council tax bills that is charged by Devon County Council, which is the largest share of the bill that households receive.

The rebate, the first decision taken by the Liberal Democrat cabinet in May, will mean a foster carer in a Band D property could get £429 back on the £1,716 portion of their council tax bill that goes to the county council.

That figure rises to a maximum of £858 for those foster carers looking after children for more than 26 weeks.

Foster carers are being prompted by their social workers to apply for the annual rebate and will need to provide their council tax bill as part of the process.

This issue and others related to fostering are set to be discussed at next week’s children’s scrutiny committee (Monday 15 September).