I WISH like to clarify a few points about the payment of foster carers after your report 'Pay gap for city foster carers", (May 11).

Comparisons between the payments given to foster carers by different authorities are extremely difficult in that they all have a local combination of allowance and skill premium payments.

Taken in total, most of York foster carers receive a remuneration above the rate recommended by the national Foster Care Network. The combination of allowance levels and the quality of support and training carers receive has resulted in them making positive choices to remain working with City of York Council.

While not complacent, we are confident that the recommended increase in basic allowances under consideration by councillors will assist us in retaining existing and valued carers and also attracting new ones. The proposals were certainly welcomed by local carers at a well-attended recent meeting.

Pete Dwyer,

Assistant director of Children's Services,

City of York Council,

George Hudson Street, York.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, May 13, 2005