Barnet Council is to investigate concerns surrounding child exploitation following a motion passed at a recent council meeting. The motion, brought forward by Councillor Jennifer Grocock, calls for confirmation of the council's participation in Operation Beaconport, a National Crime Agency-led review of over 1,200 closed child sexual exploitation cases where no further action was taken.
Operation Beaconport was initiated by the National Crime Agency to review these cases, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable children in care and care-experienced young people. The motion also resolved to request an urgent, confidential briefing for the Corporate Parenting Panel on any historic or current child sexual exploitation concerns relating to looked-after children and care leavers.
Furthermore, the council will request an anonymised report detailing allegations, complaints, and safeguarding concerns involving looked-after children and care leavers between January 2010 and March 2025. This report is expected to inform potential outcomes and recommendations from the review.
The motion further aims to ensure that current and former looked-after children are made aware of how to report abuse and access appropriate support services. The council also pledged to work with the police and safeguarding partners to ensure victims and survivors receive adequate support and protection.
Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion, and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, welcomed the motion, stating, We are clear that ending this type of violence is not just an aspiration, but a clear commitment to everyone.
She added, Survivors of domestic abuse in Barnet deserve more than warm words and correspondence. They deserve a clear commitment to action and accountability.
The council also resolved to seek confirmation of Barnet's participation in Operation Beaconport and, if requested, commit to full cooperation.
