Work is ‘already underway on survivor-led inquiry in Oldham’

Oldham: There’s some serious work happening to kick off a survivor-led inquiry into the awful issues surrounding grooming gangs. It’s been a long time coming, and folks are finally getting the attention they deserve.

For months now, conversations have been buzzing between Oldham and Telford town halls, along with a group of survivors. They’re trying to shape what this new review will look like.

Just recently, the government announced a £5 million funding package to help support up to five reviews into historic cases of child sexual exploitation, including one right here in Oldham.

This decision came after the Home Office turned down Oldham’s request for a government-led inquiry, which really stirred up public anger.

Oldham council leader Arooj Shah is pretty pleased with the support, especially with other measures from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, like a quick audit to check the data on the backgrounds of grooming gang victims and perpetrators.

Cooper also mentioned that Tom Crowther KC, who led the Telford Review, will be involved. That review is seen as one of the best investigations into how local authorities have failed child victims of sexual abuse in the UK.

While this announcement feels like a big step forward, the independent survivors commission has been working hard since last summer to help guide the council’s approach and set the terms for the upcoming review.

Oldham council staff are also reaching out to those involved in the Telford Review, with plans for officers to visit Telford next week.

Independent councillor Marc Hince, who’s been part of the preparations, expressed his happiness about the government’s backing. He emphasized that the real credit goes to the survivors who have fought tirelessly to make their voices heard.

Hince also shared his shock over how the media and some political figures have handled this issue, noting that it has been really tough on many survivors.