Issue - meetings

The Committee will consider the impact or potential impact of welfare reform on the borough’s Special Guardians and internal foster carers.

The report explored the impact of the recent benefits cap on foster parents, special guardianship and kinship carers. It was explained that kinship carers are approved by the council and by the court. This is where parental responsibility is shared with the parent. A questionnaire had been sent to these carers and very few had commented on what the impact will be on their financial situation following the benefits cap.  Only one special guardian had replied and said that they may have difficulties paying their rent. Therefore, the impact of the cap on foster carers, special guardians and kinship carers was, at the moment, felt to be minimal. The Committee agreed to review this situation again in 6 months time at the December meeting.