Foster carers to get more money

The council hopes the new allowance will cut long-term costs

Foster carers in a Berkshire borough are to be offered a bigger allowance in a bid to encourage more volunteers.

Foster parents in Slough will receive £400 a week for each child, an increase from the current maximum of £137.

Team members from the Slough Family Placement Service will be on hand to tell people more about fostering at a launch in the Town Square on Sunday.

The launch will feature face painting, a balloon release and an appearance from a David Beckham lookalike.

The council hopes the increased allowance will save money in the long term by reducing the need to use fostering agencies.

Jane Tomlinson, head of education and children's services at the council, said: "Fostering offers great challenges and great rewards. Even if you've never thought about it before, why not come down on 2 July to find out more?"