New figures published today by the Department of Education in the UK show that almost one-in-ten (9.6%) of adoptions in England this year involved a same-sex couple.

This is an increase from 8.4% on the preceding year.

The actual number of adoption by same-sex couples remained static at 450, but the overall number of adoptions fell slightly, leading to the increased percentage.

Beyond England, in Wales there was a fall in same-sex adoption from 30 to 20, while in Scotland there was a rise from 17 to 22.

Around 11% of adoptions were undertaken by single people, but the sexual orientation of single adopters is not monitored.

Commenting on the findings, Tor Docherty, Chief Executive of LGBT fostering and adoption charity New Family Social, said: ‘Although the total number of adoptions fell in England in 2016 it’s heartening to see that agencies continue to consider and successfully place children for adoption with same-sex couples.

‘It’s key in every adoption case that the needs of the child remain paramount and that agencies consider the full range of potential parents.’