Monmouthshire County Council is pleased to announce a substantial increase in the fees and allowances paid to in-house foster carers.

These changes, alongside the council’s other support, make fostering for Monmouthshire’s not-for-profit fostering team, Foster Wales Monmouthshire, an attractive option compared with commercial fostering agencies and other local authorities.

The council will increase allowances to above the National Minimal Allowance set by the Welsh Government, paying £253 per week for children aged 0-15, increasing to £273 per week at age 16. Additionally, Monmouthshire foster carers will receive significantly increased fees according to the new Skills Framework, reaching up to £200 per week for our most experienced and skilled carers.

In addition, Monmouthshire foster carers get free swimming and a 30% council tax subsidy, as well as a wide range of support from Foster Wales Monmouthshire. This includes their own dedicated social worker to provide advice and support, regular training and support groups (including Men Who Care especially for male foster carers), peer support and mentoring from experienced foster carers, and regular social events.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, Safeguarding and Accessible Health Services, Cllr Ian Chandler, said: “I am delighted to approve these increases in fees and allowances so that our excellent not-for-profit foster carers are properly rewarded, and so we can recruit more carers to our team. They play a vital role in keeping Monmouthshire’s young people close to their friends and family in their local community. I would like to thank all the foster carers working with us. Your dedication allows us to support young people when they really need it.”

“If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, please get in touch with the council’s dedicated non-for-profit Foster Wales Monmouthshire team today: familyplacement@monmouthshire.gov.uk.”

As of 11th March 2025, 189 children were in care with Monmouthshire County Council, with 63% living with foster carers. Monmouthshire faces a highly competitive market for recruiting foster carers. The council aims to reduce reliance on Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) and private providers, which are costly, often less stable, and can be away from the children’s local community.