Foster carers in Leicestershire and Rutland are being left out of pocket because the allowances they receive are not enough to cover costs, according to a report.

The survey published by the charity Fostering Network says local authorities are paying well below the "minimum acceptable levels".

Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council offer foster carers just under �80 a week per child.

The Fostering Network says this leaves foster carers out of pocket, and children receiving different standards of living.

'Feel underprivileged'

Carol Watson from New Parks, Leicester, is currently fostering nine children.

She said: "It is quite difficult financially because the amount the department give you is not a realistic amount.

"It covers the basics but anything extra like at Christmas or birthdays is not covered.

"Often they need lots of clothing for which you can get a grant but it does not always cover it.

More foster carers are desperately needed

"They feel underprivileged because they look at what their friends at school have got and cannot see why they should not have it.

"It does make you consider what you can get with independent agencies."

It is thought agencies can pay about �350 a week, whereas with a local authority a foster carer can expect to receive �80.

Children valued

Vicki Swaine is from The Fostering Network, which is campaigning for a national minimum allowance for carers.

"We did a survey of all the local authorities in England and over half pay below the recommended minimum allowances.

"We have a shortage of 8,000 foster carers in the UK.

"We are calling on the Government to implement a national system of allowances so that children are not valued differently in different areas."