POTENTIAL foster carers have been invited to an information evening following an increase in their allowances.

Lancashire County Council wants people considering becoming temporary parents for its ‘looked after’ children to come along to the event on Wednesday April 18.

It lasts from 6pm to 7.30pm at County Hall, Fishergate Hill , Preston, where members of the authority’s fostering team, social workers and current foster carers will answer questions and offer advice.

The county council recently increased the allowances payable to new foster carers to between £241 and £300 per week for each child they look after.

County Cllr Susie Charles, its cabinet member for children, said: “People who have considered fostering before but weren’t sure they could afford it are advised to come along and find out if it could now be a viable option.

“With around 20 Lancashire children needing homes each week, we need to recruit new foster carers.

“We have increased our allowances to foster carers this year in recognition of their valuable role in providing loving homes for the children in our care.

“There is a rising demand for placements with more children and young people coming into our care each week.”

Cllr Charles added: “We are looking for people who can foster all ages of children, particularly siblings who need to stay together, and teenagers. No formal experience or qualifications are needed, all we ask is that you have a spare room available and a desire to make a difference to a local child’s life.”