The children's commissioner Maggie Atkinson has called on government to give her the freedom to launch formal investigations into issues affecting children and young people without having to ask permission from the Secretary of State.

Speaking at the Aspect union’s annual conference, she suggested the forthcoming government-commissioned review of her role could strengthen her independence.

"I can institute inquiries if there is enough evidence from children and young people that one is required," she said. "But I have to seek the government’s views before I do so. That might be one of the powers that we want to have a bit of a think about."

Atkinson also urged government not to slash her organisation’s budget, since their funding has not increased since 2006.

"This year and next we’re offering substantial savings from our budget," she said. "If they come back for any more than we’ve offered from 1 April, then I expect the dominoes might begin to fall.

"That’s another of the conversations that we need to have. How small can you make an organisation before it becomes just me standing at a microphone?"