Overview

• Yvette Cooper told the Home Affairs Select Committee that half of police forces in England and Wales have returned their reviews, identifying 287 closed cases for re-examination by a specialised child sexual exploitation task force.
• At least five local inquiries are due to investigate historical grooming allegations, with work already under way in Oldham and Greater Manchester.
• Baroness Casey has requested a short extension to complete her audit before the government sets out next steps for local probes and corresponding funding arrangements.
• The government has earmarked £5 million for councils to lead locally tailored initiatives against grooming gangs.
• The announcement follows the 2022 IICSA report exposing systemic failings and mounting external criticism, including from billionaire Elon Musk, over the pace of reform.