New ‘significant evidence’ has been provided to a review examining allegations of child sexual exploitation in Oldham, further delaying its publication.
The report investigating the effectiveness of multi-agency responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the borough, which was commissioned in 2019, is yet to be made public.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham had pledged the review team would reveal their findings at the end of January, after chiefs had previously said they expected the report to come out in December.
However Mr Burnham subsequently stated that there would be a ‘short delay’ in the release of the report, while people – including victims – were given more time to ‘say everything they want to say’.
READ MORE: Rape and trafficking arrests as police investigate child sexual exploitation of two teenage girls
But in a statement released on Tuesday (March 8), Mr Burnham said that the review team would now be taking ‘additional victim testimony, which could lead to further examination of case files and other interviews’.
He added there is currently no indicative date being provided for publication of the report.
The review is being carried out by Malcolm Newsam, a former commissioner for social care in Rotherham, and Gary Ridgway, a former Detective Superintendent of Cambridgeshire Police.
The duo were behind the blistering report into Operation Augusta in Manchester.
The remit of the review is to examine historical allegations relating to child sexual exploitation in Oldham and to consider whether the council and its partners – including Greater Manchester Police – provided an appropriate response to protect children.
The allegations chiefly concern ‘shisha bars, taxi companies and children’s homes’, according to the terms of reference.
Malcolm Newsam said: “I fully understand the desire to see this review published as soon as possible and Gary Ridgway and myself are working hard to do this at the earliest opportunity.
“However, we must balance the need to get the report out as quickly as we can while ensuring that we have approached the review fairly and that no stone has been left unturned.
“Very recently, further significant evidence has been brought forward following the fair process consultation and it is right that we take the time to hear that evidence and incorporate it within our final report. Our report will be published as soon as this piece of work has been completed.”
Before Christmas, Mr Burnham had stated that an issue had arisen during the latter stages of the review which required Queen’s Counsel advice.
However Liberal Democrat councillors in Oldham have previously warned that delays to the publication of the report further risk undermining the trust with the public and victims.
Mayor Burnham said: “I want this important review to be published as soon as possible. But I also have a responsibility to ensure that no corners are cut and that it is as comprehensive as possible.
“Following the fair process letters and feedback provided, the independent review team will be taking additional victim testimony, which could lead to further examination of case files and other interviews.
“As a result, they cannot, at this stage, give an indicative date for publication and will provide a further update at the earliest opportunity.
“I fully appreciate how frustrating this news will be, but it is important that we give the review team the time they need to produce as thorough a report as possible so it has integrity, and most importantly, victims feel that they’ve been listened to.”
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