Calls for Dudley Council probe into 'appalling' child sex abuse allegations
Politicians from across Dudley’s political divides are calling a special meeting of the authority to debate media reports of child grooming.
A BBC News investigation published on March 19 included allegations of sexual exploitation linked to shops in Stourbridge, Dudley and Brierley Hill.
The report also contained claims Dudley Council’s Trading Standards officers gave intelligence briefings to a safeguarding group which included West Midlands Police, with alarming allegations about children being offered free vapes and alcohol in return for sex.
The reports sparked outrage among Dudley politicians, who now want an extraordinary meeting of the council to uncover who knew about the claims and what action was taken.
Councillor Pete Lowe, from the Black Country Party, said: “I am appalled at reading the report and the potential that this has been happening in our communities.
“Our key role as elected members is to safeguard children. The report claims that police, safeguarding and councils were contacted numerous times about young children being offered drugs, alcohol and cigarettes… what has been going on?”
The demand has been backed by the council's Reform UK group. Councillor Shaun Keasey from the group said: “Residents absolutely need and deserve this to be an entirely transparent process.”
Dudley Labour leader Councillor Adam Aston said: “I echo the call of Dudley councillors from across the political spectrum that it is imperative for a full and thorough investigation to take place with transparent disclosure of the facts.”
Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Ryan Priest said: “I am appalled that, as a local councillor, the leader of my group, the first I hear about this is via an article in the press.
“At what level has this been known and how has this been investigated, escalated and reported on? We need to ensure our communities are safe.”
Leader of the council Councillor Patrick Harley backed calls for an investigation but believes a full council hearing may not be the best way forward.
Councillor Harley said: “I support this move but would prioritise a scrutiny meeting that had a deep dive on this and related issues.
“Cabinet, group leaders and all 72 councillors have been briefed over the last few days on all that the council officers know.
“To have both scrutiny and full council would achieve nothing if we don’t have any more facts.
“I’m hoping officers will have concluded their work within the next week or so and then we can hopefully get to the bottom of this.
“To date police, agents on the ground and council officers have no live cases or historical cases.”
The BBC said West Midlands Police initially said it had no evidence to substantiate claims of child sexual abuse linked to shops in Dudley but later revised its statement to say it had a robust partnership approach to safeguarding in the borough and always acted on information received.
