Fostering in Bromley: Local Allowances and How to Apply

Thinking about fostering in Bromley? Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to what you can expect in terms of allowances and how the application process works with the London Borough of Bromley—plus how national minimums apply in London.

What you’ll be paid in Bromley

National minimum (London band) that sets the baseline

Because Bromley is a London borough, the England National Minimum Fostering Allowance (NMA) for London applies as a baseline. For 2025/26 (6 April 2025–5 April 2026), the London weekly minimums are:

• 0–2: £198
• 3–4: £201
• 5–10: £225
• 11–15: £257
• 16–17: £299
  Fostering services must at least meet these figures for the child’s day-to-day costs (food, clothing, transport, activities, utilities). Your total package can be higher once any local fee/skill payment and extras are added.

Bromley’s published extras and seasonal payments

Bromley sets out additional birthday, Christmas and summer holiday payments on top of weekly maintenance, currently listed as:

• 0–4: £201 (Christmas), £201 (Birthday), £402 (Summer)
• 5–10: £225, £225, £450
• 11–15: £257, £257, £514
• 16+: £299, £299, £598
  Bromley also notes savings taken at source for children in placement (currently £2.50/week for ages 0–10 and £5.00/week for 11+). Check the council page for the latest detail before a placement starts.

What “allowance” covers vs any fee/skill payment

The weekly allowance is meant to cover the child’s costs. Many fostering services (including councils) also pay a carer fee/skill payment that recognises your time, experience and training. Some public pages show overall ranges “up to” higher amounts depending on age and needs (you’ll see London examples quoting upper figures for complex placements). Always ask Bromley for a written breakdown showing the maintenance allowance, any fee, and reimbursable expenses (mileage, equipment).

How to apply to foster in Bromley

Step 1: Make an enquiry

Contact Bromley’s fostering team for an informal chat or submit an online enquiry. The council lists direct contact details and an enquiry route on its website.

Step 2: Information session

You’ll typically be invited to an information event or initial call to learn about the role, support, payments and next steps. Some listings describing Bromley’s process also point to info sessions as a standard first step.

Step 3: Home visit / initial visit

If both sides want to proceed, Bromley will arrange an initial home visit. This is a chance to look at your spare bedroom and chat through your support network, experience with children, and availability. The council sets out the overarching process for would-be foster carers on its site.

Step 4: Assessment (“Form F”)

You’ll move into the Form F assessment, which covers references, DBS and other checks, medical, interviews, and training such as Skills to Foster. Your assessing social worker builds a detailed report about your household, strengths and the types of placements that would suit you. (This is standard for councils across England; Bromley follows the national framework.)

Step 5: Panel and approval

Your assessment goes to fostering panel for a recommendation, followed by the agency decision-maker’s approval. If approved, you’ll agree your terms of approval (e.g., age range, number of children, placement types) and start receiving matching calls.

Who can foster in Bromley?

Bromley states you can foster if you’re 21+, whether you own or rent, and whether you’re single, partnered or married—provided you have a spare bedroom and the resilience/time to meet a child’s needs. These are in line with national expectations.

Spare room: Fostered children should have their own bedroom (there are limited exceptions for babies under one, or same-sex siblings when approved). Bromley explains bedroom rules and other practicalities on its FAQ page.

What support will you get?

• Supervising social worker: Regular supervision visits and phone support.
• Training: Core training before and after approval; specialist courses if you look after teens, sibling groups, or children with complex needs.
• Expenses and extras: Mileage, equipment, and seasonal payments referenced above; the council highlights these on its allowances page.
• Peer/community support: Many carers find the local networks invaluable; ask about support groups and out-of-hours help during your enquiry call.

Tax relief that helps your household budget

Foster carers in England benefit from Qualifying Care Relief (QCR), which combines a fixed annual amount with a weekly amount per child in your care. This often means many carers pay no income tax on fostering income. Bromley’s FAQ page links to the government guidance and explains the basic principle (the national figures are updated each April). If you’re unsure, ask the fostering team to signpost you to HMRC’s latest QCR page or a tax adviser.

Frequently asked questions (Bromley focus)

How long does the process take?
Most applicants take a few months from enquiry to panel. Timelines vary depending on references, checks and training availability; Bromley outlines the steps on its process page.

Do I need to live in Bromley to foster for Bromley?
You’ll need to be local enough for school runs, contact, and meetings. If you live just outside the borough but are well-placed for Bromley schools and services, discuss this at enquiry stage.

Can I work and foster?
Yes, but you’ll need sufficient flexibility for school hours, meetings and emergencies. Talk through your working pattern with the team so they can advise what placement types fit best.

What about extra costs like passports or holidays?
Bromley publishes seasonal payments and other contributions; discuss travel consent and passport costs with your supervising social worker before booking.

Quick checklist before you apply

• Spare bedroom ready (and appropriate safety at home).
• Time and availability for school runs, contact and meetings.
• Willingness to complete training and work as part of a professional team.
• Understanding of allowance vs fee, and how seasonal payments and expenses are claimed.

Start your application

• Enquire with Bromley’s fostering team to talk through your circumstances and next information session dates. The council provides direct contact details and an online form on its website.
• Read Bromley’s process page to see each stage, from enquiry to panel and approval.
• Check the allowances page and keep a note of seasonal extras and how savings are handled—useful for budgeting.

Bottom line

If you’re in or near Bromley, the London-band national minimum sets a strong base for weekly allowances, and the council publishes helpful details on seasonal payments and how money is managed for young people. Combine that with Bromley’s support, training and a clear application pathway, and you have a realistic picture of both the financials and the steps to get approved. When you enquire, ask for a written breakdown of allowance vs any carer fee, confirm which age bands you’ll be approved for, and clarify expenses—so you can foster with confidence and focus on what matters: the child.