A long-awaited report has found “remarkably weak evidence” to support gender treatments for children and made 32 recommendations – but what is the current system?

NHS England hopes they will be the first of up to eight specialist centres over the next two years and said children attending these clinics will be supported by experts in neurodiversity, paediatrics and mental health, “resulting in a holistic approach to care”.

Puberty blockers can be used to delay the development of physical characteristics which can make someone look male or female, allowing transgender young people to explore their gender identity and weigh up medically transitioning.

Taking them early in puberty may mean less treatment or surgery in the future, but critics have raised concerns over issues including consent, mental health risks and bone density development.

At the time of the move, there were fewer than 100 children on puberty blockers, who will continue their treatment at Leeds and University College London Hospital.

But Dr Cass said in her report the current policy on giving children testosterone or oestrogen from age 16 should be urgently reviewed.

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