Kinship care cash hunt

Jul 3 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

KINSHIP carers are set for an allowance hike – if the money can be found to fund it.

Labour councillors pushed through a bid to rise the £45 payment for people who look after child relatives to £75.

But the decision by the social work services committee hangs in the balance as the corporate policy committee is the one which will have to come up with the cash.

Councillor Jim Dempster, who backed Willie Scobie’s bid said: “If these children returned to the traditional care system, it would cost the council a bundle. This is a cost effective way of dealing with kids who need care. It needs to be focused around care – we’re treating them abysmally.”

The council gallery, full of concerned carers, responded to that with loud applause.

But their glee was short-lived as it was expressed that no decision could be made until corporate policy stumped up the cash.

The SNP government has been criticised by Labour for breaking a promise for allowances of at least £119 per week.

However, money available meant payments had to be restricted to £45 which is less than foster care payments.