According to one report the average weekly fee for council registered carers is £396, while it rises to a staggering £759 for IFAs; 92% higher. All of this embroiled against a backdrop of multi-million pounds dividends for investors and huge director salaries.

Such highly inflated fees give rise to one very important question; why aren’t foster care costs subject to the same level of scrutiny as other social care costs? To look at foster care prices we need to examine the market from a more traditional demand and supply angle. With all areas of care this feels uncomfortable as we are talking about real people and the good work that they are doing, in this case looking after vulnerable children. However, like all areas of care in 2018, there is private provision and this needs to be examined and controlled or the market will be the one controlling the price of care.