HARD-UP parents and guardians could receive £15,600 from the government this summer to keep kids out of the care system.

A new pilot scheme will see seven local councils in England hand out cash to parents thinking of putting their kids in state care because they can't afford to look after them.

Amid the cost of living crisis, town hall chiefs will be free to distribute a pot of £7.8 million to 500 families.

Each household's cash boost will be tailored to the specific needs of the children they look after.

 In some cases funding will be low-cost and short-term support.

But other families could receive higher-cost and ongoing payments.

All the cash will be tax free.

And it could be put towards the likes of wage subsidies, home adaptations or extensions, a house deposit, a car and funding for food.

Children's Minister Claire Coutinho and Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins said: "What children need more than anything is love.

"People to support, protect and fight for them.

"Sadly, not every child has a happy family home.

"In the worst cases, it might be necessary to move a child away from their family and into care, to give them a chance of a better, safer life.

"But we think that – sometimes – there can be another way.

"From this summer, we will support families in pilot areas in this position by providing them with direct assistance."

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The ministers added: "This won’t be right for every child.

"But with this tax-free funding in place, we can help godparents, uncles and aunts step in to provide a stable, loving home."

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