IT’S NO Council Tax for foster carers in Tower Hamlets, after Mayor Lutfur Rahman decided to give everyone who registers as a foster carer a 100% Council Tax reduction.
The newly re-elected Mayor described how much he values the work done by foster carers, saying, “Our foster carers are heroes and vital pillars of our community and the least we can do is to thank them by giving them free council tax.”
The announcement came at the start of Foster Care Fortnight, a national campaign which aims to raise awareness of fostering and to encourage more people to consider fostering. Anyone who can provide a child with a loving, stable and safe environment can apply to be a foster carer. Foster carers receive an allowance for the work they do.
Foster carer Afia described the joy that fostering can bring, saying “The best thing about fostering is seeing the children grow in confidence. Some of my children have been so anxious and tearful when they first came to live with us, but with lots of patience, reassurance and kindness, you see them transform. It really makes me feel proud to know that I have made a difference.”
Mayor Lutfur Rahman echoed her sentiments, saying that fostering is, “an amazing way of giving back to your community and changing the life of a young person.”
The Council is holding events, a walk, leafletting and a community event. The Council has not yet released details of when and where these publicity events will be held.
●For more information about becoming a foster carer in Tower Hamlets, go to: Foster Care Information
●Read more about it: Ever thought about fostering? Mayor Lutfur Rahman claims “best youth offer in the country”