Foster carers in Gwynedd will receive new benefits and incentives as a part of a campaign to encourage carers to continue to foster and to attract more people to offer the service.

After Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet approved the plans, foster parents who foster with the local authority in Gwynedd will now receive:

• A 50% reduction (25% for short break foster carers) in council tax bills of foster carers with the main residence in Gwynedd
• A free annual parking permit for all council car parks.
• ⁠Unlimited use of leisure centres through the 'max' discount card.

Cyngor Gwynedd will also adopt a Fostering Friendly policy for Maethu Cymru Gwynedd carers who are employed by the authority, offering flexibility in working arrangements in order to meet the needs of the children in their care.

Cllr Menna Trenholme, cabinet member for children and families, said: "By fostering locally, with Cyngor Gwynedd, our foster carers are helping local children and young people to stay in their community, close to friends and family members they stay in touch with. It keeps them connected, builds stability and crucially, helps them retain their sense of identity."

"A support package is already available for our experienced and committed foster carers, but by introducing a series of new incentives, we are showing them our support and appreciation, and possibly will encourage and attract more people to be foster carers."

Karen and Stephen, who have been fostering with Maethu Cymru Gwynedd for 24 years, say they welcome the announcement.

"For us, fostering is not a 'job', it is a way of life, and we do this because we care. We do not foster for the money, but it is really important that you get enough support to be able to meet the needs of the children in your care."

"Some children come into a foster home with nothing, not a single possession. This new package from Cyngor Gwynedd, such as the reduction in our council tax bill, will enable us to treat our foster children to nice things; days out, or even a little holiday."

"We enjoy creating new and special memories for the children, and these benefits, which include a discounted rate for using leisure centre facilities, will certainly help us to do that."

The council says the new incentive package will strengthen Maethu Cymru Gwynedd's offer to retain and add to the number of foster carers in Gwynedd.

It also aims to highlight the advantages of local authority foster care as part of the Welsh Government's health and social services bill, intended to remove profit from the children's care system.

For more information or to contact the team, visit the Foster Carers Gwynedd website.