CSE inquiry could begin in September

Earlier this year it was reported that up to 1,000 girls may have been abused in incidents dating back to the 1970s, sparking calls for an independent inquiry.

A CSE Advisory Group met for a second time on Wednesday to push forward with plans to appoint a commissioning body, which will then appoint an independent chair to lead the inquiry.

Final amendments were made and the advisory group will have the final sign off before a tendering process begins to find a commissioning body.

Councillor Peter Scott, chair of the advisory group said the inquiry could begin in September.

He said: "We hope that the inquiry will begin in September, and from there it takes as long as it takes.

"It could take six months, a year, two years, three years, I don't know but it will be as long as it takes.

"I am pleased we have got to this part where a commissioning body can soon be found, and I am happy we are at a point where the council can soon step back and make this an independent process."

At Wednesday's meeting, four survivor's representatives were added to the group and will have a say in the process heading towards the inquiry.

Councillor Nicola Lowery welcomed them to the group, and councillor Scott said this process is about getting the right results for the survivors.

He said: "It is good to see these people on the panel, and to have as many survivors as possible involved in the enquiry.

"They are going to have a big input and part to play, and it is about getting the right results for them and making sure they have a voice they have never had."

Cllr Lowrey added: "It is absolutely crucial that the survivors panel have involvement in every stage of this inquiry and their input to the process has been invaluable."

The survivor's representatives had an input at Wednesday's meeting, and said that minute taking from the inquiry should be done by an independent person in the inquiry, and not the council's democratic services team.

The change was made to the specification, and now the group will work towards inviting tenders to become the commissioning body.

The successful applicant will then be announced on August 24.