Derbyshire County Council is considering charging parents whose children are taken into care as it faces ‘unprecedented’ financial difficulty.
The charge would apply if the council has agreed to temporarily look after children for families who are significantly struggling, while parents retain full parental responsibility.
The council would ask for 50% of the aged-based fostering allowance, meaning parents would pay between £89 and £113 a week.
Parents in receipt of welfare benefits would not be liable to pay, and the council has forecast that between 14 and 28 families would be eligible.
A report says it is ‘crucial’ forr Derbyshire to maximise income to avoid hiking council tax and reduce cuts to services.
A consultation found 49% of respondents agreed with the proposal and 41% disagreed, although more than half (59%) were concerned it would worsen relationships between families and the council.
Derbyshire said decisions to request a financial contribution would be made by a social worker, who would receive guidance so the policy was applied fairly and without ‘broader adverse impact’ on families.
The proposal will be considered at a future cabinet meeting, although the date has not been confirmed.
Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council have already begun charging families for care costs.
