SOCIAL services bosses have welcomed the Government announcement of a national minimum allowance for foster parents.

North Yorkshire County Council now hopes more carers will come forward.

The council has recently introduced higher payments, to bring them in line with those recommended by the Foster Care Network.

Councillor Caroline Patmore, the council's executive member for social services with responsibility for children and families, said: "We welcome the latest moves by the Government which we hope will prompt more people to think about becoming foster carers.

"I don't want people to think that caring for children is purely about money, but we do want to properly reward foster carers.

"Caring for children is very demanding and involves a great deal of commitment, but I know from the foster families I meet that there is a great sense of personal fulfilment."

Councillors have agreed to increase the basic allowance across the board. Inquiries for fostering are welcome from anyone regardless of age, background or personal circumstances.

For more information, contact Fostering North Yorkshire on (0800) 3892362.