I WRITE regarding your article “Tax relief for foster carers” Guardian, July 3.

Whilst noting that foster carers do a wonderful job, they are paid substantially more than the paltry £61.35 per week that carers receive.

Since April 2013, Cheshire East in their wisdom elected to make carers pay 20 per cent of their council tax, if they were of working age. As full-time carers, we are unable to work. If we did, we would have to pay other carers to cover our responsibilities.

I have had consultations with Edward Timpson, who on my behalf contacted Cheshire East, with no joy. Getting people back into employment should be looked at. Making carers live on the poverty line will only result in their charges going into residential care, costing Cheshire East £100’s each week!

M Pierce Crewe