The first locations for the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs have now been announced, a significant step in a national process examining how group-based child sexual exploitation was able to occur and how public authorities responded at the time.

The Inquiry will focus initially on Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London as it begins its work of gathering evidence and assessing institutional failures.

The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a national, independent investigation examining historical cases of group-based child sexual exploitation across England and Wales. It has been established in response to long-standing concerns about how children were protected, how allegations were handled by public authorities, and whether opportunities to prevent harm were missed.

What will the enquiry do?

The Inquiry will look at the actions of a range of institutions, including police forces, local authorities, government departments, the Crown Prosecution Service and health services. Its aim is to identify systemic failures in safeguarding and make recommendations to strengthen how children are protected in the future.

The Inquiry will also consider whether recommendations from previous reviews and inquiries have been properly implemented, and what impact, if any, those changes have had in practice.

Further locations are expected to be announced later this year as the Inquiry develops its national programme of work.

What happens next?

The announcement marks a significant step forward as the Inquiry moves from its preparatory stage into active investigations, with evidence gathering and hearings expected to follow.

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