More compensation in Manchester child abuse case

A total of £2.26m was paid out in compensation in 2007

Victims of child abuse at three children's homes in Manchester will receive compensation from the city council, it has confirmed.

Manchester City Council is to settle the claims of 163 people who were sexually and physically abused at three homes from the 1950s to the 1990s.

It comes after 168 other victims were awarded a total of £2.26m in 2007.

Police investigated 66 children's homes in Greater Manchester from 1997 to 2002, and prosecuted several people.

The victims say they were abused at Rosehill in Northenden, Broome House in Didsbury, and Mobberley Boys School in Knutsford, run by the council's social services department.

The settlement means the victims will not have to give evidence in court, but will have to accept a reduced amount in compensation, solicitors Abney Garsden McDonald said.

Solicitor Peter Garsden said: "The decision by Manchester City Council to avoid the costs and the time involved in contested litigation is very welcome indeed.

"The claimants want an apology for the abuse they suffered in the past, not technical arguments designed to defeat their valid claims.

"I hope that the council do not change their mind, once again, and continue to genuinely settle these cases. It will save a lot of time and money if they do so."

The final amount of compensation could take up to a year to decide, he said.

A spokesman for Manchester City Council said: "Manchester City Council is genuinely committed to settling legitimate claims as quickly and fairly as possible, recognising that no amount of money can compensate individuals who have suffered abuse whilst in our care."

"It is important that claimants are spared the trauma of lengthy court proceedings where this is possible.

"Where claims are settled we will write to individuals and offer a full apology."