He said managers had been forced to spend available cash on cutting waiting lists - rather than in areas in which they wanted to invest.

BBC: You are in: Health

Mr Shannon said fostering authorities were often forced to fill the first available vacancy, rather than choose a vacancy designed for a particular child's needs.

BBC: Foster care motion concluded

With the jobless rate at the lowest levels for nearly 20 years, there have been fears that wages may be forced up by the falling numbers of available employees.

BBC: News | The Economy | Chancellor warns against pay rises