LAMBETH COUNCIL AMONG FIRST TO BE PROBED IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INQUIRY
Lambeth council are the subject of one of the first 12 investigations to be carried out by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse into the extent to which institutions have failed to protect children from sexual abuse.
Lambeth council leader Cllr Lib Peck said: “We welcome news that the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse will investigate the very serious, historic failings at children’s homes run by Lambeth in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
“We first approached officials from the new inquiry in March this year offering to share material we have gathered regarding historic child abuse in Lambeth, and remain ready to honour that pledge.
“I know how important it is for the victims of these offences that the suffering they experienced is re-examined, and I have apologised on behalf of the council for the historic failings that let down so many young people.
“Lambeth have previously investigated the crimes committed at its children’s homes prior to their closure in 1983. “There were both internal and independent inquiries that resulted in a number of criminal convictions.
“But in the light of new national concerns about how child abuse issues were investigated following revelations about the abhorrent behaviour of high profile individuals such as Jimmy Savile it is right that the very serious events of the past are being looked at again.” (Source: Lambeth council press release.)