Our Ref: 4247  

Dear Enquirer,

INFORMATION REQUEST

Thank you for your request for information which will be dealt with under
the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 / Environmental
Information Regulations 2004.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, we
will let you know the likely charges before proceeding.

If you have any queries about this matter please contact us. Please
remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Kind regards

Information Governance Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2EF

Tel: 0345 600 6400
Email: [Northumberland County Council request email]
Web: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk

Our Ref: 4247   

Dear Enquirer,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

I refer to your Freedom of Information request in relation to special
guardianship financial support.

Right of Access

Section 1(1) of the Act provides any person making a request for
information to a public authority is entitled.

(a) to be informed in writing by the public authority whether it holds
information of the description specified in the request (which Section
1(6) of the Act designates as the "duty to confirm or deny"), and

(b) if that is the case, to have that information communicated to him.

The right is to obtain access to the information itself and not to the
document or record which contains it.

The Act creates a general right of access to information held by public
authorities subject to various exemptions.

Northumberland County Council confirms that it holds the information you
have requested, please see the (attached/following) information in
response.
 
1) Does Northumberland council follow the DfE method of assessing Special
guardianship allowance. If not please provide information as to the method
used.
Yes
 
2) What is the maximum payment for a child.
a) Pre school age
b) Primary school age
c) Secondary school age
d) Over 16
0 - 4 = £130.06
5 - 10 = £144.69
11 - 15 = £180.04   
16 and 17 = £219.03  
 
3) Is the maximum payment based on recommended core foster care rates. If
not what is the maximum payment based on.
Yes
 
4) Does special guardianship rise each year in line with the increase in
core fostering rates.
Yes
 
5) Is the financial assessment where children were previously LAC
different to the financial assessment for children who were not LAC.
No
 
6) What deductions, if any, are made from Special guardianship allowance,
ie, Child benefit, Child tax credit.
Child benefit
 
7) If a carer is in receipt of Income support are any deductions made from
Special Guardianship allowance, ie, Child Benefit, Child tax credit
No
 
8) Are Special guardianship allowances time limited. If so how long for.
Up to the age of 18 years
Complaints

If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been
handled, you can request an internal review by writing within 2 months
from the date of this response to the Information Governance Office:

Information Governance Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
NE61 2EF

Email: [Northumberland County Council request email]

Information Commissioner

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have a
right by Section 50 of the Act to apply to the Information Commissioner
for a decision as to whether your request has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act at:

The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Tel: 01625 545 745
Email: [email address]

There is no charge for making an appeal.

Yours sincerely

FOI Coordinator -
Information Governance Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2EF

Tel: 0345 600 6400
Email: [Northumberland County Council request email]
Web: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk