The recommended national minimum allowance rates for foster carers in England for 2016-17 published by the Department for Education show there will be no increase.

​Vicki Swain, campaigns manager at The Fostering Network said: 'We believe that no foster carer should be out of pocket as a result of fostering. These are minimum levels which means some foster carers, particularly those looking after children with disabilities, will have higher costs and allowances will need to reflect that.

​'The Fostering Network will continue to monitor allowances through our annual survey and conversations with members.

'Foster carers provide homes for the vast majority of children in care and The Fostering Network estimates that fostering services in England need to recruit at least a further 7,600 foster families in the next 12 months to meet current need, it is therefore vital that allowances are sufficient to retain and recruit foster carers.'

Details of the recommended minimum allowances for foster carers in England can be found at www.gov.uk/foster-carers/help-with-the-cost-of-fostering​