Fostering in the North West of England
The North West is one of the regions with the highest fostering need in England. Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and the areas around Manchester and Liverpool all urgently need more foster carers.
Lancashire has over 1,800 looked-after children — one of the highest caseloads in England. Blackpool and the Fylde Coast have some of the highest care rates per population in the country.
What Fostering Looks Like in North West
The North West region stretches from the Scottish border (Cumbria) to the Peak District (Cheshire East) and encompasses some of England's highest-need fostering areas alongside more rural communities with their own placement pressures. Lancashire County Council alone has over 1,800 children in care. The region has a large IFA sector and many of England's highest-rated fostering agencies are headquartered in the North West.
Types of Fostering Available in North West
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Lancashire County Council | 0300 123 6712 | lancashire.gov.uk/fostering |
| Cumbria (Cumberland) | 01228 606060 | cumberland.gov.uk/fostering |
| Cheshire West | 0300 123 7022 | cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/fostering |
| Cheshire East | 0300 123 5012 | cheshireeast.gov.uk/fostering |
| Blackpool Council | 01253 477176 | blackpool.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in North West?
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 North West
Is there IFA provision across the wider North West (outside Manchester/Liverpool)?
Yes — many national IFAs operate county-wide across Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria. They work under contract with local authorities and often offer better pay and support.
Ready to Start Fostering in North West?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.