Working group to tackle child sexual exploitation to be set up in Calderdale
A cross party group is being considered to find ways to tackle the issue
A new cross-group working party to tackle sexual exploitation of children is set to be formed in Calderdale.
The Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation Working Party is one of a number of proposed groups senior councillors will consider when they meet on Monday (July 13).
Ruling Reform UK group Cabinet members – the party won control of Calderdale Council in May’s local elections – are proposing establishing the working party.
A statement issued today by Reform UK Calderdale gave more detail and said the group: “Recognises child sexual exploitation as a serious and abhorrent crime.
“We will work with partners to identify risks, support victims, pursue offenders and learn lessons from the past.
“This working party will demonstrate the council’s commitment to openness, accountability and the safety of children and young people across Calderdale.”
Leader of the group and Council, Coun Dan Sutherland (Illingworth and Mixenden) has already written to Baroness Anne Longfield requesting Calderdale be selected as an area of interest for the Government’s Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs.
It is an issue where concerns have been raised by residents, victims, survivors and community representatives, says Reform.
The new working party will have representatives from all political groups on the council, be supported by relevant officers and partner agencies, says the group.
Reform says the working party will provide a “clear forum” to review the council’s approach to preventing and responding to child sexual exploitation, monitor learning from local safeguarding reviews, inspections and national recommendations and support engagement with any national inquiry processes affecting Calderdale.
It will promote transparency and public confidence in the council’s safeguarding arrangements and receive update from partners, including West Yorkshire Police and safeguarding services, regarding measures to identify, prevent and disrupt child sexual exploitation.
It will also consider whether further recommendations should be made to Cabinet, Scrutiny or full council, says Reform.
The new working party will complement, rather than duplicate, existing responsibilities of safeguarding partners, scrutiny arrangements and operation agencies, says the group.
“It’s purpose would be to ensure continued political oversight, cross-party collaboration and a clear focus on protecting children and supporting victims and survivors,” say Reform in the statement.