National review of care allowances: final report and recommendations

Improve consistency and transparency in the delivery of child allowances

There was consensus from the consultation responses and among Group members that improvement in accessing information about allowances is required as currently, carers did not feel well equipped. The survey findings highlighted that approximately one third of respondents (36%) stated that they find it easy/very easy to access relevant information, with the number falling (23%) among kinship carers. The Group felt that a standardised approach to guidance would be beneficial for carers and young people to address the issue of insufficient information around entitlement to and purpose of allowances. With regard to a Scottish Recommended Allowance, the survey results highlighted overwhelming support, with 92% of respondents in favour. In developing this recommendation, the Group considered different methodologies utilised across the UK and beyond and agreed that the Child Poverty Action Group’s Cost of a Child survey, as well as the Household Expenditure model, most recently taken forward in developing the Welsh National Recommended Allowance were favourable models. The Group also agreed that the needs of children in foster and kinship care are often greater than for a child who is not care-experienced and that any allowance should reflect this. This approach was consistent with consultation findings, where 94% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed with this approach. National allowances in England, Wales and Northern Ireland currently include a 50% uplift of the cost of a child. As part of the Group’s approach, young people were asked about their understanding of allowances and they felt that information for carers should be clear and easy to read, either online or in leaflet form. They also thought that their carers should have as much information as possible to support them in their role.