Political leaders in Birmingham have issued a joint statement on child sexual exploitation, the BBC reports, promising that the city will confront past failures openly. The statement is backed by the coalition administration of Birmingham City Council — the Liberal Democrats, Greens, Better Birmingham Independents and Birmingham Independents Group — along with the leaders of the Birmingham Reform Group, Birmingham Labour Group, Birmingham Conservative Group and Birmingham Independent Workers Group.
Key points
- National inquiry — the National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs will examine Birmingham in its next phase.
- Historic reports — the council's 1991 report and other old documents will be republished.
- Support for survivors — safeguarding arrangements will be independently tested and victims given dedicated help.
- Public campaign — families and communities will be taught to spot warning signs and raise concerns.
The statement says children were let down for too many years and that victims and survivors have lived with the consequences. It insists abuse is the responsibility of the abuser, and that questions about ethnicity will not be avoided or used to divide communities. Birmingham, it says, will follow the evidence without fear or favour.
The announcement of the inquiry's Birmingham investigation came on 30th September. Council leaders say they welcome it and understand the city was chosen because existing information gives a strong basis for looking at how organisations identify, share information about and respond to child sexual exploitation across a large metropolitan area.
Alongside the inquiry, the council is supporting Operation Beaconport. It also plans to test its current safeguarding arrangements independently, work with police and specialist organisations so that people affected by historical abuse know where to get help, and run a public awareness campaign. Anyone who comes forward, the statement says, must be listened to, believed and supported.
Support is available through the Children's Advice and Support Service on 0121 303 1888, and anyone in immediate danger should dial 999.
What it means in practice
For most people in Birmingham, daily life will not change straight away, but the inquiry and the council's pledges will shape how local services deal with child protection over the coming months and years.
- Survivors — if you were affected by historical abuse, support and reporting routes are being publicised, so it is worth noting the council's contact details.
- Families — a public awareness campaign will explain the warning signs of exploitation and how to raise concerns about a child.
- Watchdogs — republished historic reports mean residents will be able to read the evidence about past failures for themselves.
