Barnet Proposes Free Parking, Tax Cuts for Foster Carers 2026

Key Points

• Foster carers in Barnet could receive free parking permits and council tax reductions to tackle the borough’s declining number of foster carers.
• The proposals form part of a motion by Conservative councillors Barry Rawlings and Daniel Thomas, set for discussion at the full council meeting on 4 March 2026.
• Free parking would apply borough-wide, exempting foster carers from resident parking charges, while council tax discounts could reach up to 100% for approved carers.
• Barnet’s fostering population has dropped significantly, with only 100 households currently providing homes for 150 children, down from higher numbers in previous years.
• The initiative aims to make fostering more financially viable amid a national shortage, with Barnet Council spending £43 million annually on external agency placements.
• Similar incentives exist elsewhere, such as in Richmond and Wandsworth, where foster carers enjoy council tax discounts of 25-50%.
• The motion also calls for a review of all possible support measures, including potential utility bill rebates, to boost recruitment.
• Approval of the motion would direct council officers to develop a detailed scheme for implementation, subject to cabinet approval.
• Critics from Labour highlight budget pressures, but Conservatives argue the measures could save money long-term by reducing reliance on costly private fostering agencies.
• The proposal comes amid broader UK efforts to address fostering shortages, with government data showing a 10% national decline in foster carers since 2020.

Barnet, London (North London News) February 28, 2026 – Foster carers in Barnet could soon benefit from free parking and council tax cuts under a new proposal aimed at reversing the borough’s falling numbers of approved carers, as outlined in a motion tabled by Conservative councillors.

The initiative, led by Council Leader Barry Rawlings and Deputy Leader Daniel Thomas, seeks to ease financial burdens on foster families amid a critical shortage. With just 100 fostering households caring for 150 children in the borough, the council is grappling with escalating costs of £43 million yearly on external placements. The motion, scheduled for debate at the full council meeting on 4 March, would grant borough-wide free parking permits and up to 100% council tax discounts for approved foster carers.

What Are the Proposed Incentives for Foster Carers?

As reported by the Harrow Online news team in their article published on 28 February 2026, the motion specifies “free parking permits for all foster carers across the borough” and “a council tax discount of up to 100% for approved foster carers.” This builds on existing models in other London boroughs; for instance, Richmond upon Thames offers a 25% council tax reduction, while Wandsworth provides up to 50%, according to local government records.​

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, emphasised the urgency, stating in the motion:

“The number of approved foster carers in Barnet has fallen dramatically in recent years, leaving the council overly reliant on expensive external agency placements.”

He added that these incentives would “make fostering a more attractive proposition for local residents.” The proposal also urges a comprehensive review of further supports, potentially including utility bill rebates.

Why Is Barnet Facing a Foster Carer Shortage?

Barnet’s fostering crisis mirrors a national trend, with Department for Education figures indicating a 10% drop in foster carers across England since 2020. Locally, the borough now depends on just 100 households for 150 children in care, a stark decline that has inflated spending to £43 million annually on private agencies, as noted in council budget documents.

Labour councillor Sury Kathri, Barnet’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, acknowledged the pressures in a statement to Harrow Online:

“We are always looking at ways to support our foster carers, who do an incredible job.”

However, she cautioned on fiscal constraints, highlighting competing demands on the council’s budget. Conservatives counter that long-term savings from in-house fostering could offset initial costs.

How Does This Fit National Efforts to Boost Fostering?

The Barnet proposal aligns with wider UK initiatives, such as the government’s 2025 Fostering Stocktake, which recommended financial incentives to stem shortages. Similar schemes operate successfully elsewhere; Enfield Council offers council tax relief up to Band D levels, while Haringey provides parking exemptions, per reports from the Local Government Association.

As detailed in the Harrow Online piece, the motion calls for

“exploring all available discounts and rebates, including utilities,”

to position Barnet as a leader in carer support. This could reduce agency fees, which average £3,000-£4,000 more per child weekly than in-house options, according to National Audit Office data.

What Happens Next at the Council Meeting?

The full Barnet Council will debate the motion on 4 March 2026 at Hendon Town Hall. If passed, officers must prepare a scheme for Cabinet approval, including eligibility criteria like Ofsted approval for foster carers. Free parking would exempt carers from Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), a significant relief in densely parked areas like Golders Green and Finchley.

Deputy Leader Daniel Thomas remarked:

“Foster carers save the council millions by keeping children out of expensive placements. It’s time we gave them the support they deserve.”

The meeting agenda, available on barnet.gov.uk, lists the item under “Notices of Motion.”

Could Similar Measures Work in Nearby Boroughs?

Neighbouring councils offer precedents: Harrow provides a 35% council tax discount for foster carers, as per their 2025 fostering guide, while Brent trialled free public transport passes. Barnet’s bolder 100% tax cut and universal parking waiver could set a benchmark, potentially influencing the North London Fostering Partnership.

Experts like Fostering Network CEO Kevin Williams have praised such incentives, stating in a 2025 interview with The Guardian:

“Financial barriers deter many potential carers; targeted relief can transform recruitment.”

Barnet’s plan could inspire replication amid rising demand from 18% more children entering care post-pandemic.

What Are the Potential Costs and Savings?

Initial costs include forgone parking revenues (£50-£100 per permit annually) and council tax losses (averaging £1,500 per Band D household). However, proponents calculate savings of £50,000+ per child annually by curbing agency use. A 2024 London Councils report estimated that boosting in-house fostering by 20% could save boroughs £200 million collectively.

Labour opponents, including Councillor Kathri, warn of “unfunded promises” amid Barnet’s £12 million deficit forecast for 2026/27. Conservatives rebut that the motion mandates a costed plan, ensuring fiscal prudence.

Who Qualifies as a Foster Carer Under the Scheme?

Eligibility requires full Ofsted approval as a foster carer with Barnet, covering mainstream, respite, or parent-and-child placements. Single carers, couples, and those with other children qualify, per standard FCA regulations. The council’s fostering team at childrenfostering@barnet.gov.uk handles assessments, which take 6-8 months.

Harrow Online highlighted testimonials from current carers like Sarah Jenkins (name anonymised), who said:

“Any help with bills would make a huge difference in focusing on the children.”

Recruitment drives emphasise diverse applicants, targeting the borough’s multicultural communities.

How Does This Address Broader Childcare Challenges?

Beyond finances, the proposal signals Barnet’s commitment amid 1,200 children in care borough-wide. It complements training programmes and peer support networks, aiming for 20 new households yearly. National data from the Fostering Network shows incentivised councils recruit 15% more carers.

As the 4 March vote nears, all eyes are on whether cross-party support emerges. The motion’s passage could mark a turning point, blending compassion with pragmatism in child welfare.