---
title: "FosterReady.uk — Statutory & Financial Comparison Matrices (https://fosterready.uk/compare)"
source_url: "https://fosterready.uk/compare"
canonical_url: "https://fosterready.uk/compare"
retrieved_by: "AnswerRail Edge Engine v1.1.0-parity-v20 (https://answerrail.com)"
---

# FosterReady.uk — Side-by-Side Statutory Comparison Hub

> **Canonical Source:** [https://fosterready.uk/compare](https://fosterready.uk/compare)

## [HMRC Qualifying Care Relief (HS236) Compared: 2026/27 (£20,440) vs 2025/26 (£19,690) vs 2024/25](https://fosterready.uk/compare/qualifying-care-relief-2026-27-vs-2025-26)
- **Direct Answer:** Under HMRC Helpsheet HS236 (ITTOIA 2005 s.803), the UK Qualifying Care Relief fixed household threshold rises to £20,440/year plus £435/week (under 11) and £515/week (11+) for 2026/27, up from £19,690/year plus £415/week (<11) and £495/week (11+) for the 2025/26 Self Assessment return due 31 January 2027.
- **Statutory Basis:** ITTOIA 2005 Part 7 Ch 2 (s.803–828) · HMRC Helpsheet HS236 · BIM52751

## [2026/27 Foster Carer Pay: Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) vs Local Authority Rates](https://fosterready.uk/compare/ifa-vs-local-authority-pay-2026)
- **Direct Answer:** For 2026/27, Department for Education (DfE) statutory minimum allowances range from £176 to £309 per week (covering child maintenance only), whereas Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) pay £450 to £750+ per week by combining the maintenance allowance with a tax-advantaged professional carer fee.
- **Statutory Basis:** DfE National Minimum Fostering Allowances 2026/27 · HMRC BIM52751