FROM April 2021, foster carers in Thurrock who foster with Thurrock Council will be exempt from paying any Council Tax – a saving of £1,600 a year for the average band D property.

This new benefit has been championed by Thurrock Council and is available to Thurrock foster carers, as an enhanced offer to recognise the love and care they provide to Thurrock children.

Thurrock has a comprehensive support offer available to foster carers including therapy, a very competitive financial package and a welcoming fostering community. This is also an opportunity to increase the number of fostering families who can enjoy this offer and provide loving homes to local children.

Cllr James Halden, Cabinet Member for Children and Adult Social Care, said: "I am delighted that we are introducing this new Council Tax exemption for Thurrock foster carers.

"Foster carers play an essential role in our community by opening up their homes for Thurrock children that need a loving and nurturing environment where they can feel safe. The support they provide these children with is unparalleled.

"We are very proud of the community of foster carers we have fostering for Thurrock. We are constantly working with our foster carers and children to ensure they have the best possible experience and access to all the services they need, and the Council Tax exemption will now offer enhanced financial support.

"Thurrock is one of the few councils to offer this package to foster carers in addition to all the other excellent financial benefits we offer. This Council Tax exemption shows just how important we think foster carers are and how much we value all that they do for children in Thurrock."

Find out more at thurrock.gov.uk/fostering or 0800 652 1256