The Grooming gangs inquiry to be chaired by former children’s commissioner for England Baroness Longfield the Government has announced
The new chair will meet with victims this week and will include several local investigations including Oldham
Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE will join the panel that will work with the Chair to hold institutions to account and the Inquiry will be time-limited to ensure justice is swift for those who have already waited too long.
It will be completed within three years and supported by a £65 million budget.
A series of local investigations, including in Oldham, will be focused on child sexual abuse committed by grooming gangs and if authorities failed to properly investigate them.
The background of offenders, including their ethnicity and religion, will also be examined.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said:
“It is vital that survivors in Oldham finally have the chance to share their testimony in a way that is recognised, respected and heard. I have spoken directly with survivors, and they have been clear that they want answers about their own experiences and want their voices to shape national recommendations that will protect other children from harm.
“This inquiry must play a full role in helping to bring perpetrators to justice and in delivering accountability for the individuals and organisations that failed young people in the past. Oldham Council will fully support and cooperate with this work.”
Oldham Council also welcomes the intention of the Chair to visit Oldham in the New Year to meet with survivors and local partners. The council will work closely with the inquiry to ensure that those who have waited too long for answers have the opportunity to be listened to and believed.
