By Tim Barclay

As the Autumn Budget approaches, the nation’s attention will once again turn to tax, inflation and spending priorities.

Yet behind those headlines lies a quieter challenge that speaks to the heart of who we are as a society: the growing shortfall of foster carers.

According to FOI data from the National Fostering Group, the UK still needs around 12,500 more carers to meet demand - and every unfilled role means a child waiting longer for the stability they deserve.

Fostering is one of the most meaningful roles in Britain, yet it too often goes unseen. Our research shows that 14.5 million UK adults - more than a quarter of the working-age population - say they want to do something more worthwhile with their careers.

Fostering consistently ranks among the UK’s top five most purposeful........

© LBC