Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse: Council leader apologises

Councillor Allen Brett

Councillor Allen Brett, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council, has apologised to the victims of child sexual abuse following publication of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report. He has also admitted he was wrong to pre-empt the outcome of the inquiry by defending Richard Farnell when he took over from him as council leader.

In a statement issued to Rochdale Online, he said: “The first thing that I want to do, and what I think is the most important, is apologise to the victims of child sexual abuse. Although these terrible events took place many years ago, they still live with the consequences.

“I also want to say very clearly to them that this was not your fault; you were let down by people who should have been protecting you and you deserved better. 

“I have asked the chief executive of the council to initiate a process that allows us to give a fuller response to the report and the national inquiry. 

“We must also give our residents some reassurance about how things have changed since these terrible events because things certainly have changed and there is work being done by the council that is really excellent. We have not been sat around waiting for the national inquiry to tell us what to do. We have put many measures in place that are recognised nationally and regionally because keeping children safe is an absolute priority for the council.

“The report has made difficult reading for us all and as human beings we are of course aware of the hurt and suffering that has been caused.

"In my first moments as leader of the council I appealed for people to wait for the outcome of the inquiry, which was right, and went on to say that I hoped it would say what Councillor Richard Farnell said was true. Looking back now I realise it was wrong of me to pre-empt the outcome of the inquiry.

“The Labour Party acted quickly to suspend Councillor Farnell, and he should now personally reflect on the report. 

“Greater Manchester Police have said they will look at the report to determine if they need to take further action against anyone mentioned in the report, which I fully support.”