Several households left Luton's fostering services last year, official figures show.

Meanwhile the total number of households who stopped fostering across England continued to exceed that of those starting, despite the net difference reducing slightly.

The Fostering Network said the retention of foster carers "must be the Government’s priority", warning "more children will be pushed into residential care or placed far from the families and friends they depend on" if nothing is done.

Recent Ofsted data shows about five mainstream fostering households approved by Luton Borough Council deregistered in the year to March, meaning they ceased fostering, retired or registered with an independent fostering agency instead – a slight fall from 10 deregistrations the previous year.

Children playing on swings. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA

placeholder image — Children playing on swings. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA

All figures are rounded to the nearest five.

Mainstream fostering households include all foster homes except those with a primary placement offer of formal kinship care arrangement – when a family member steps in to temporarily care for a child in need, supported by the local authority.

Meanwhile five households were newly approved for foster care by Luton Borough Council, in line with in 2023-24.

Across England some 4,690 mainstream fostering households left foster care in the 12 months to March, including 2,540 signed up through their local authority.

It was slightly down from 4,820 and 2,645 respectively the year before, but means there remains more households leaving than entering foster care nationwide.

Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister said: "Foster carers provide more than just a roof over a child's head – they offer belonging, consistency and the chance for young people to grow up close to their schools, friends and the places they know."

He said the Government "inherited a burning platform on this issue with the number of foster carers in decline" and is committed "to grip this issue and deliver for the vulnerable children waiting for a foster care placement".

"We will soon publish a detailed plan to improve and expand fostering which will map out how we reverse the decline that is seeing far too many children forced to live far from home in care homes, instead of a loving family environment," he added.