Islington allegation hangs over Hodge

Children’s minister Margaret Hodge came under pressure to resign
this week following allegations about her leadership of Islington
Council more than a decade ago.

Two former Islington Council social workers claimed that she failed
to support their concerns that children were being sexually abused
in care homes while she was leader of the council in 1990.

The affair did not become public until October 1992 when it was
reported by London newspaper the Evening Standard.

Hodge has admitted that she showed a lack of understanding in the
situation but denied that she had ignored allegations of child
abuse. Responding to calls for her resignation, the prime minister
said Hodge still had his full backing.

As the row raged, Hodge took over responsibility for two of the
modules of the National Service Framework for children.

Following children’s social services’ move to the Department for
Education and Skills, Hodge has taken charge of the modules on
children in special circumstances – which relates to looked-after
children and child protection – and disabled children.

While key responsibility for the children’s NSF will remain with
the Department of Health the government is to build on previous
arrangements in order to develop “more consistent” partnership
working. Hodge has also had her official title finalised as
minister for children and young people.