Blackburn with Darwen councillors are to debate a call to exempt foster carers from council tax.

The proposal has been put forward by the borough's Conservative group, headed by Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward's Councillor John Slater.

They believe the move would give a "much-needed boost to the recruitment of foster carers" and save the authority money in the long run.

It comes as the borough looks set to be getting the maximum 4.99 per cent council tax rise next month.

Conservative leader Cllr Slater has proposed a motion for debate by Thursday night's full Council Forum meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It says: "Council acknowledges the importance of foster carers in providing a safe, loving home to children who are unable to live with their birth parents.

"In recent years, we have become concerned that the recruitment of foster carers by the council has stagnated.

"We are of the view that the council must do more to both reward existing foster carers for their brilliant work and to attract new foster carers into the sector.

"By doing so, children in need will continue to receive the same or better care at a fraction of the cost of other placements.

"Accordingly, in addition to paying foster care fees, council resolves to consider providing existing and new foster carers with an exemption from the payment of council tax with effect from the next financial year.

"It is our view that the cost of this will, in time, be met from reduced costs for children who, otherwise, would be put in expensive placements often out of the borough."

The motion is seconded by the Conservative's education spokesperson and Cllr Slater's Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward colleague Cllr Denise Gee.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson declined to comment before the Council Forum meeting.