FOSTER and kinship carers across Ayrshire are set to receive a new minimum standard national allowance.

The Scottish Recommended Allowance is a new payment given to foster and kinship carers across the country.

The weekly allowance, which is backdated to April 1, 2023, will see eligible foster and kinship carers receive:

0- to 4-year-olds: £168.31

5- to 15-year-olds: £195.81

16-year-old and over: £268.41

Ayr constituency MSP Siobhian Brown, Scotland's community safety minister, said: “Foster and kinship carers perform a vital role supporting young people, often under very intense financial pressure.

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"The introduction of this Scottish Recommended Allowance will ensure that all care-experienced young people can grow up without potentially missing out on any opportunities.

“At a time when many families are struggling with Westminster’s cost-of-living crisis, it is very welcome that the SNP Scottish Government is focusing on the principles of equality, opportunity and community to ensure that all young people in our society are fully supported to reach their potential.”

Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, added: “During my time as Convener of the Social Justice Committee, we took evidence directly from Kinship Carers who have been tirelessly campaigning for parity with foster carers and I was moved by their commitment and their collective voice.

“This positive step from the SNP will have a direct and significant impact that will see thousands of families able to better support some of the most vulnerable young people in Ayrshire."