The fostering system in the UK is under ‘unsustainable strain,' with ‘hard-won improvements' at risk of being eroded, a report has warned today.

Charity The Fostering Network said the current system was undermining the terms, conditions and recruitment of foster carers.

It found only 42% of foster carers said their allowance covered the full cost of looking after fostered children, compared to 80% in 2014. 

Charity chief executive, Kevin Williams, said: ‘This report paints a picture of a fostering system which is under unsustainable strain and which is being held together by the goodwill and commitment of thousands of dedicated foster carers.

‘Our fear is, that with austerity biting, the cracks within the fostering system are only likely to get bigger, and – for the sake of the stability and outcomes of tens of thousands of children fostered each year – this cannot be allowed to happen,' Mr Williams added.

Council leaders warned that while the number of children on protection plans had risen by 60% since 2008, funding cuts will leave children's services with a shortfall of £1.9bn in the next three years.

Chair of the Local Government Association's children and young people's board, Cllr Richard Watts, said: ‘Shortfalls in funding from Whitehall have left significant deficits in already depleted budgets.

‘The actions of some independent fostering agencies, which can charge councils more than double the cost of in-house placements while making substantial payouts to shareholders, saw more than £40m diverted away from services for vulnerable children and into the profits of just eight independent agencies in 2014/15.'