A leading Blackpool politician has urged for the town to be included in any future national inquiry into grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation. While the government prefers implementing findings from previous reports, calls for a new national inquiry persist. Blackpool Council's Conservative leader, Coun Paul Galley, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full extent of this issue and highlight Blackpool's unique experiences with child sexual exploitation.
A leading Blackpool politician has called for the town to be included in any future national inquiry into grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation. The government has so far resisted calls for a new national inquiry, saying it wants to implement the findings from previous reports, but calls are still being made from some quarters for further national scrutiny.
While other North West towns including Rochdale and Oldham have had more high profile child grooming cases, Blackpool has also witnessed its impact including the disappearance of Charlene Downes in 2003. After discovering that 14-year-old Charlene had been one of many young girls who were being abused by a group of takeaway owners, Blackpool Police joined forces with other agencies to set up the Awaken task force in 2004.
Coun Galley said: “While many people are aware of the shocking, high-profile cases that have occurred in Blackpool, fewer are aware of the broader scale of child sexual exploitation in our town. In 2016/2017, for example, the rate of cases in Blackpool was 1.3 per 1,000 of the population, including a number of our looked-after children.
A report published in 2022 warned Blackpool “is disproportionately affected by many of the risk factors for CSE which include deprivation and a high proportion of children living in care. Coun Galley said any national inquiry should put the impact of victims at its heart but should not delay the implementation of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which was approved in principle by MPs on January 8. A Conservative amendment for it to include a national inquiry into grooming gangs was rejected.
“The independent inquiry into child sexual abuse launched in 2015 and reported in 2022. This was a comprehensive report that carried out over 15 investigations including into grooming gangs and abuse in school and church settings.”
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION GROOMING GANGS BLACKPOOL NATIONAL INQUIRY VICTIMS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Traders to Boost Blackpool Town CentreTwo new units at Station View, Blackpool's tram/rail interchange, are set to be leased, bringing new businesses and jobs to the area.
Read more »
New Businesses Set to Boost Blackpool Town CentreBlackpool town centre is set to welcome new businesses with the leasing of two additional units at Station View, a retail complex located within the Holiday Inn.
Read more »
Shrewsbury Town Eye Positive Start to 2025 Against BlackpoolShrewsbury Town begin 2025 with a three-game unbeaten streak, aiming for a fresh start after a challenging 2024.
Read more »
Shrewsbury Town Earn Hard-Fought Draw at BlackpoolShrewsbury Town's unbeaten run continues after a dramatic comeback against Blackpool in League One.
Read more »
Blackpool 1-1 Shrewsbury TownBlackpool and Shrewsbury both start 2025 with a point as they share the spoils in a draw at Bloomfield Road.
Read more »
Blackpool Locals Fear London Investors Could 'Finish Off' TownLocals in Blackpool fear that London-based buy-to-let landlords, seeking high returns, could worsen the town's existing problems. The number of homes bought by London buyers has doubled in the past five years, attracted by Blackpool's 10.1% gross yield compared to London's 5.7%. However, residents worry about the impact of these investors on a town already facing challenges including the lowest life expectancy for men in the UK and widespread deprivation.
Read more »