South East Statutory Rates

Fostering Allowances & Pay in Berkshire

Complete statutory breakdown for 2026: Discover weekly allowances, HMRC Qualifying Care Relief tax-free thresholds (£18,140 + £375–£450/wk), and local placement demand across Berkshire.

2026 Statutory Rates

Weekly Fostering Rates for Berkshire

Child Aged 0 — 10

£420 / week

Standard statutory allowance covering food, clothing, housing, and pocket money. 100% tax-free under HMRC QCR.

Child Aged 11 — 15

£490 / week

Higher allowance band reflecting increased school, social, and activity costs for secondary school children.

Young Person Aged 16+

£580 / week

Independent living preparation allowance. Includes additional skills fee for therapeutic and complex placements.

Berkshire Regional Carer Need

Local Authority Area: Six Berkshire unitary authorities

There are currently over 63 children in care across Berkshire requiring supportive foster families with spare bedrooms.

UK Fostering Pay & Tax Calculator

Updated for DfE National Minimum Allowances & HMRC Qualifying Care Relief

100% Tax-Free Threshold

Placement Type

Number of Children

UK Region

Estimated Weekly Pay

£420 /wk

Allowance + Fee

Estimated Annual Total

£21,840 /yr

52 weeks of care

HMRC Tax-Free Threshold

£39,590 tax-free

Qualifying Care Relief

How Statutory Fostering Allowances & HMRC Relief Work (UK Framework):

DfE Minimum Allowances: Set by government to cover accommodation, food & clothing for the child.
IFA Professional Skill Fee: Paid on top of statutory maintenance by independent agencies to reward your expertise.
HMRC Section 803 ITTOIA 2005: £18,140 fixed relief + £375-£450/wk per child means most carers pay zero Income Tax.
Universal Credit Disregard: Under DWP rules, fostering allowances are 100% disregarded as income.

Calculations reflect statutory DfE minimum rates & average Independent Fostering Agency payouts.

Check Eligibility Free

View Fostering Allowances in Other UK Regions

LondonGreater London

ManchesterNorth West

BirminghamWest Midlands

LeedsYorkshire and the Humber

GlasgowScotland

BristolSouth West

SheffieldYorkshire and the Humber

LiverpoolNorth West

EdinburghScotland

CardiffWales