Foster carers in Waltham Forest are to be given 60 per cent off their council tax bill as part of a new recruitment drive.

The rewards package was agreed by the council's cabinet this week as part of a bid to recruit 70 new foster carers over the next three years.

Changes will also include a payment towards council tax bills for adults who live outside the borough but foster a child in

Waltham Forest, and access to the borough's six leisure centres.

"At any one time there are around 300 children in the borough who desperately need a loving and stable home," said cllr Mark Rusling, responsible for children and young people.

"We’re encouraging would-be foster carers to sign up and reap the rewards of helping these children as part of our new ‘Become a Waltham Forest foster carer’ campaign."

Foster carers will also receive a fee and allowance for the child of up to £445 per week and access to a lifestyle hub, which provides a variety of discounts off major brands and retailers, money off cinema tickets and concessions at major attractions, venues and places of interest.

Martin Massett and his wife, Ann, are new specialist foster carers who are currently caring for a young person from Waltham Forest

Mr Massett, said: "We are not about rescuing a child but guiding and seeing them grow into the best they can be. We understand that we all have a need for acceptance and love."