Dear Avril,

Thank you for your request for information regarding ‘Fostering Grants’ (reference number 31442). Your request was received on the 08/08/2014 and I am dealing with it under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and/or Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, I will let you know. A fees notice will be issued to you, and you will be required to pay before we will proceed to deal with your request.

If you have any queries about this request, please contact Information Governance on 01254 585651. Alternatively, our email address is [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email].

Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Kind Regards,

Heather Wolstenholme
Freedom of Information Officer
ITM&G Floor G,
Tower Block,
Blackburn Town Hall,
Blackburn,
BB1 7DY

Tel: 01254 585651

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Dear Avril,

Thank you for your request for information regarding ‘Fostering Grants’ (reference number 31442); please see our response below. If you have any queries regarding your request for information then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

1. Non-repayable grants to Foster Parents

a. towards the purchase of bigger cars. If more than one family received a grant please elaborate. £0

b. towards the building of house extensions or the purchase of bigger houses. If more than one family received a grant please elaborate. £0

If recipients later cease fostering, are grants repayable, in full or in part, - or would they be if this situation hasn't yet arisen?
If it is payment for a house extension a legal agreement is drawn up and part re-payment would be agreed depending on time elapsing since grant was given.

1. Non-repayable grants to Adoptive Parents

a. towards the purchase of bigger cars. If more than one family received a grant please elaborate. £0

b. towards the building of house extensions or the purchase of bigger houses. If more than one family received a grant please elaborate. £0

If after a grant has been received adopted children are returned to Local Authority care, or are removed, are grants repayable, in full or in part, - or would they be if this situation hasn't yet arisen?
Foster carers who adopt may be able to take their lease vehicle with them and ultimately have this bought at the end of the lease for them. With regards to house extensions this is the same as it is for foster carers.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request for information and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision, you should write to: Information Governance Manager, Information Governance, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, G Floor, Town Hall, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7DY or email [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email].

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Council. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Please find attached our 'have your say' feedback policy.

Kind Regards,

[Name of Council employee removed]
DP FOI Officer

Information Technology, Management and Governance
G Floor,
Tower Block,
Blackburn Town Hall,
Blackburn,
BB1 7DY

Tel: 01254 58 5852

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