Child exploitation failings work 'nearly done'

Last year's report found abuse in Telford continued for "generations"

A council criticised for its approach to tackling child sexual exploitation (CSE) says it will be ready for reassessment of its progress by the end of the year.

Telford & Wrekin Council was among the bodies condemned after an inquiry led by Tom Crowther KC last year, with 82 separate actions for the authority to tackle.

Mr Crowther found CSE had “thrived unchecked” in the borough for decades and that more than 1,000 girls had been exploited.

A report to be discussed this week states 75% of the actions are ready for re-assessment, with the remainder expected to be complete by the end of 2023.

More than 1,000 children were sexually exploited over at least 30 years in Telford

Councillors will hear that improvements have been made in children’s services, education, licensing, policy and customer relations.

The work has been carried out in consultation with three women who have "lived experience" of CSE, Holly Archer, Scarlett Jones and Joanne Phillips.

The report by policy director Anthea Lowe, extends thanks to the women for their contribution, and says none of the actions was to be signed off as ready for assessment until the group had agreed.

It also points out that Mr Crowther, not the council, will judge whether its improvements are satisfactory.

"The approach taken.. is not to mark an action complete but, rather, to mark actions ready for assessment by the Independent Chair," it said.

'Response was inadequate'

A progress report in July said that around half the recommended actions had been completed.

At the time, Telford's MP Lucy Allan branded the response "inadequate".

The terms of reference for the inquiry led by Mr Crowther included an assessment of compliance with the recommendations coming two years after they were made.

That would be next summer, but the council hopes to invite him back at the end of December - more than six months early.

His other recommendations were shared between West Mercia Police, West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner and local health services.