You could be paid up to £250 a week for fostering a child in Somerset following an increase in weekly allowances.

Somerset County Council, which is responsible for children's services, has carried out a review into the amounts it pays to its foster carers to provide for children in their care.

The allowances are paid weekly and are intended to cover the basic needs of the child in question, including food, clothing and holidays.

The council has also reviewed its additional payments system to cover unexpected costs, to ensure there are "sufficient to meet the needs of care and support of a child in placement."

The council previously committed to paying its foster carers the national minimum rate set by the National Fostering Network.

Under the latest arrangements, foster carers will be paid £146.30 per week to care for a child up to four years of age.

This rises to £166.65 per week for a child between five and ten years old, £207.56 for a child aged 11 to 15, and £252.38 for a child aged 16 or over.

In addition, the council will provide discretionary payments where appropriate for "extra costs of laundry, journeys, food, skin or hair products, and educational needs"

Carers also receive an additional week's allowance for the child's birthday and at Christmas, as well as two weeks' allowance for the summer holidays.

Foster carers need a spare room in their home and must be at least 21 years old – there is no upper age limit.

Councillor Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We are always keen to recruit foster carers, and it's particularly important during these difficult times. The coronavirus has presented so many challenges, especially for the young.

"Children need a safe and secure home – now more than ever. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds as foster carers as long as they meet the criteria."

Penny Gower, the council's finance manager, added: "Foster carers and other carers are valuable in their ability to provide high-quality care for Somerset children in care, locally to where they live.

"It is important that carers are well-supported in their caring role practically, emotionally and financially in order that good-quality carers can be recruited and retained.

"Our payments are reviewed on an annual basis and take note of inflation and the rising costs of caring for a child."

For more information on how you can foster a child, visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or call 0800 587 9900.