Overview

• An interim list posted by Rupert Lowe’s team names 85 councils where it claims gang-based child sexual exploitation has occurred, citing patterns involving predominantly Pakistani men and failures by public bodies.
• The inquiry says it has raised about £600,000 to £620,000 and plans hearings later this year with a legal advisory team before drafting a final report.
• Watford’s mayor stressed the project is not the UK government’s official inquiry and said it has not presented evidence or data to substantiate its claims.
• Survivor advocates and researchers questioned safeguarding and methodology, with former panel member Donna Edmunds calling the effort disorganised and the Survivors Trust urging focus on implementing IICSA recommendations and improving data.
• A separate government-ordered national inquiry and NCA review launched after Baroness Louise Casey’s audit continue in parallel, while public figures such as Elon Musk have offered to fund related legal actions.