Oldham council's request for a government inquiry into historic child sexual exploitation has been denied by the Labour government. Despite a local review finding evidence of failings in protecting vulnerable children, the Home Office will not be conducting a new investigation.
Labour has rejected calls from Oldham council for a government inquiry into historic child abuse . Oldham councillors voted in July to ask the Home Office for a public inquiry to give a voice to those impacted by child sexual exploitation. It followed a Greater Manchester Combined Authority review commissioned in 2019 which found evidence that the council had failed vulnerable children, despite its efforts to protect them.
The review, which was requested by ex-Oldham council leader Sean Fielding alongside the chair of Oldham Safeguarding Partnership, stated there was 'no evidence' of a council cover up. But the Home Office told the Manchester Evening News today a new government-led investigation into historic sex abuse cases will not take place. It follows reports safeguarding minister Jess Phillips wrote back to the council saying any inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham should be organised locally. Oldham council said it has promised victims their voices will be heard despite the lack of government intervention. A spokesperson added: “Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation. Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge. “We all recognise that terrible mistakes were made in the past, with children ignored or dismissed. “By ensuring that survivors have a voice that is heard, we can help make sure that no child will be failed in the future.” The Oldham council motion in July also called on the town hall to prepare to commission an independent inquiry in case the Home Office refused their request for support. It stated that ‘any inquiry should provide a voice for those affected by child sexual exploitation in Oldham and provide the very best support and protection to those who wish to come forward with their testimon
Child Abuse Government Inquiry Oldham Council Historic Sex Abuse Safeguarding
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