Fostering in Newcastle and the North East
The North East has some of the highest rates of children in care in England. Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead and surrounding areas urgently need more foster carers.
The North East has the highest rate of looked-after children in England — making every new foster carer here disproportionately impactful.
What Fostering Looks Like in Newcastle
The North East consistently records the highest rate of looked-after children per 10,000 population of any English region. Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the largest city, but children's services across Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland, and the Tees Valley are all under sustained pressure. The region has responded with increased investment in fostering recruitment and retention, and a number of cross-authority initiatives. Despite lower cost of living than London or Manchester, pay rates in the region remain competitive.
Types of Fostering Available in Newcastle
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle City Council | 0191 277 7100 | newcastle.gov.uk/fostering |
| Gateshead Council | 0191 433 2653 | gateshead.gov.uk/fostering |
| Sunderland City Council | 0191 520 5580 | sunderland.gov.uk/fostering |
| Durham County Council | 03000 267 979 | durham.gov.uk/fostering |
| Northumberland County Council | 01670 622760 | northumberland.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Newcastle?
Most LAs pay a weekly allowance only. A small number pay an additional professional fee for experienced carers.
IFAs pay a weekly allowance plus a professional fee. Most IFA carers pay zero income tax thanks to HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief.
Want to understand these figures in more detail? Read our complete foster carer pay guide or our tax guide for foster carers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fostering in Newcastle
Are North East fostering allowances lower because of the lower cost of living?
Somewhat, but not dramatically. North East LA rates are slightly below London but still within the national range. IFA rates are broadly similar nationwide.
Ready to Start Fostering in Newcastle?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.