Grooming gangs inquiry expands to Wales and Birmingham

These new investigations follow the inquiry's earlier announcement in June that it would focus on London, Oldham, Bradford, and Keighley, areas where significant failures in addressing child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs have been identified. The inquiry stated that each local investigation aims to understand why institutions and organizations failed to protect victims and survivors, contributing to national findings and recommendations.

Chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield, the £65 million inquiry will scrutinize the operational methods of grooming gangs and the responses of various institutions, including the police, local authorities, health services, social care, and schools. Public hearings are scheduled to be held and will be livestreamed, with transcripts made available afterward. Findings will be released progressively rather than awaiting a final report. The inquiry is expected to conclude no later than March 2029, with a maximum duration of three years.