Lemn Sissay: ‘brilliant’ plans to improve child social care ignored by ministers

The poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay has accused ministers of ignoring “brilliant” recommendations to improve the “dysfunctional” children’s social care system in England because they are not vote winners.

Sissay spoke to the Guardian before the publication of a new book, Free Loaves on Fridays, thought to be the largest ever collection of stories from care leavers.

She credits the consistent and loving support from her social worker with giving her the stability she needed to find and settle into a comfortable life with an adoptive family.

Yet her former social worker Laura Bishop* said that had Billson been in care today she would have struggled to give her the same consistent support.

“Councils are getting increased spending power of up to £4.5bn next year so they can deliver first-rate services – including social care.

For those leaving care, we are investing £250m over three years to help them succeed – providing housing, access to education, employment, and training.”