Image source, PA Media

By Sanchia Berg

BBC News

Austerity has contributed to a rise in the number of children in care, the most senior judge in the family courts has told the BBC.

Sir Andrew McFarlane said cuts to local authorities have left social workers with fewer options to help families.

They often lack the resources to do anything other than go to court, he told Radio 4's Today Programme.

The numbers of children in care in England are at record levels - nearly 84,000 as of March last year.

Authorities apply to the court for permission to take children into care when they are suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.

John Pearce, president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, said local authorities faced "significant pressures". More children needed help - and cuts meant there were fewer opportunities to support them in the community, he added.

The government has recently announced more resources to support children's services, but Mr Pearce said this "does not solve" the longstanding issue.