Financial support for kinship and foster carers will increase in
2026-27 - helping them meet the cost of living challenges and to
provide more for the children and young people they care for.
The Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) will be uprated by 3.8%
for 2026-27, which is in line with the Consumer Price Index
inflation rate recorded in September 2025. This uplift –
part of the Scottish Government's work to Keep the Promise to
Scotland's care experienced young people by 2030 – will be
supported by an additional £4.3 million investment.
From April 2026, kinship and foster carers will receive a weekly
allowance, based on the age of each child they care for, of:
- 0 to 4 years: £177.68
- 5-15 years: £206.71
- 16-17 years: £283.35
The SRA was first introduced in Scotland in August 2023 to ensure
all eligible foster and kinship carers receive a consistent
minimum level of financial support, regardless of where they
live.
Following a review of the allowance, the Scottish Government
agreed in March 2025 to uplift the SRA annually in line with
inflation.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said:
"Foster and kinship carers do an extraordinary job in providing
safe, stable, and loving homes for some of Scotland's most
vulnerable children and young people. It is only right that the
financial support they receive keeps pace with the cost of
living.
"This uplift is a clear demonstration of our commitment to Keep
The Promise and to ensuring that carers are properly supported in
the vital work they do. I am grateful to all the foster and
kinship carers, local authorities, and organisations who
contributed to the review of the SRA, and look forward to
continued partnership working to build on the progress we have
made."
Background
The Scottish Government provides an annual investment of £17.9
million for the allowance. The uplift for this year is backed by
an additional £4.3 million.
The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning
(Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier
this month. The Bill introduces legislation that supports
improved transparency, sufficiency and consistency of payments
made to foster and kinship carers.
Bill to keep ‘the
Promise' passed - gov.scot
