Bridgend foster carers offered ‘unique package of benefits’ in new retention and recruitment drive
Bridgend County Borough Council’s fostering service, Foster Wales Bridgend, has announced an exciting new package of benefits for foster carers!
As part of a unique package of benefits, local authority foster carers will be offered:
- 50 per cent reduction in Council Tax bill
- Dedicated support from a Placement Support Team
- Access to a free leisure centre membership with Halo Leisure
- Access to exclusive discounts and activities
- Training to get you started on your foster journey
- Regular meetups with other foster carers
Foster Wales Bridgend is part of the national network of all 22 Welsh local authority fostering services, working together to build better futures for local children.
Foster Wales Bridgend Foster Carers, Caroline and Peter Handley said: “This is a good incentive to help new foster carers join Foster Wales Bridgend. It will be beneficial to all, especially when you may have a gap in having a child in your care. It makes us feel like we are being appreciated by our local authority, and as foster carers. We used placement support when Bridgend originally had the team a few years ago. When funding caused it to stop, we found it was a big loss, so it will be amazing to have this service back and to know there is someone there at the end of the phone outside of office hours and on weekends. We know we can contact other carers and Pioneer foster carers, but to know there is a support team available 24/7 is great. The right support at the right time makes every placement stronger, because when carers feel supported, the children feel secure.”
The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, Cllr Jane Gebbie who also represents Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr said “I am delighted that my cabinet colleagues were supportive of the proposal to introduce a council tax incentive payment for foster carers. It is great news that we can provide even more financial support and benefits to our fantastic foster carers across the county borough. Foster families play an essential role in our communities, opening their homes and their hearts to children who need care, stability, and support. The work they do often goes unseen, but it makes a profound difference to young lives and to society. This incentive is a practical way of recognising that contribution. It helps to ease some of the financial pressures that fostering can bring, and it sends a clear message that we value and appreciate the dedication of those who take on this vital role. By supporting foster carers in this way, we are investing in stronger, more compassionate communities and ensuring that every child can thrive in a loving home.”
Visit the Foster Wales Bridgend website to learn more about becoming a foster carer: https://bridgend.fosterwales.gov.wales
You can also go to the council website to read more about the new package of benefits for local authority foster carers: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/news/local-authority-foster-carers-offered-unique-package-of-benefits-in-new-retention-and-recruitment-drive/
Welsh-medium education expansion in Porthcawl continues to progress
Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved the next step in plans for a new Welsh-medium seedling school and childcare facilities in Porthcawl by agreeing to invite tenders for its construction.
The school is expected to open in 2027, offering 30 nursery and 30 reception places, and will be operated by Ysgol y Ferch o’r Sgêr, with pupils transitioning there from Year One.
A private provider will also be sought to operate an on-site childcare facility, providing 22 places for babies and children up to age four, along with after-school and holiday care.
This marks another milestone in efforts to support Welsh-medium education and develop high-quality childcare options for families across Bridgend County Borough.
Business owners encouraged to apply for 2025/26 Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme
Bridgend business owners in the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors: if you haven’t applied for the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme since 1 April 2025, you could be eligible for further support.
Applications will close on Tuesday 31 March.
To find out more, please check your eligibility and apply: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/business/business-rates/retail-leisure-and-hospitality-rates-relief/
News provided by:
Huw David, County Borough Councillor for Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr
Tel: 07890 399742, Email: Cllr.Huw.David@bridgend.gov.uk, Please follow me on Facebook