Dear Cassie,

Thank you for your request for information regarding Special Guardianship (reference number 34651). Your request was received on the 30/03/2015 and I am dealing with it under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

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

show quoted sections

Dear Cassie,

Thank you for your request for information regarding Special Guardianship (reference number 34651); please see our response below. If you have any queries regarding your request for information then please don't hesitate to contact me.

1) Does Blackburn with Darwen council follow the DfE method of assessing Special guardianship allowance. If not please provide information as to the method used.
The basic SGO calculation is income less allowances, income being band 1 fostering allowances per week + birthday allowance + Christmas/eid allowance + holiday allowance, allowances are child benefit and child tax credit.

2) What is the maximum payment for a child.
The maximum payment for a pre-school child is £129.28 pw x 52 wks + £293.90 holiday allowance + £146.95 birthday allowance + £146.95 christmas/eid less child benefit less child tax credit. For a primary school age child the weekly amount is £146.95 pw. For a secondary school child the weekly amount is £182.81 pw, holiday allowance is £365.62, birthday and Christmas/eid allowance is £182.81 .Over 16 weekly amount is £222.20 , holiday allowance is £444.40, birthday and Christmas/eid allowance is £222.20.

a) Pre school age
b) Primary school age
c) Secondary school age
d) Over 16

3) Is the maximum payment based on recommended core foster care rates
All allowances are above the DFE recommended rate

4) Does special guardianship rise each year in line with the increase in core fostering rates.
Currently it usually only goes up when a child moves from one band to the next. However this is currently under review.

5) Is the financial assessment where children were previously LAC different to the financial assessment for children who were not LAC.
No

6) What deducations, if any, are made from Special guardianship allowance, ie, Child benefit, Child tax credit.
Child benefit and child tax credit

7) If a carer is in receipt of Income support are any deductions made from Special Guardianship allowance, ie, Child Benefit, Child tax credit
Only child benefit and child tax credit are deducted.

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]
Senior Information Governance Officer

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

Tel: 01254 58 5852
Secure email: [email address]

show quoted sections