Overview

• The UK government has replaced its initial plan for five fixed local grooming gang inquiries with a flexible £5 million fund for councils to address child sexual exploitation through various locally tailored initiatives.
• Home Office Minister Jess Phillips clarified that the change allows for options such as full inquiries, victims' panels, or audits of historical cases, following consultations with local authorities.
• Conservative lawmakers criticized the shift, alleging it weakens the original commitment, while the government maintains the flexibility enhances local decision-making and does not cancel the inquiries.
• A new child protection authority has been announced to implement recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), aiming to improve national oversight and safeguarding practices.
• The government plans to develop a best practice framework for local inquiries and expand the role of the national child safeguarding review panel as part of broader child protection reforms.