Statement on the release of Casey review into Rotherham Council
Speaking in the House of Commons on the publication of the Casey Report of Inspection of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, John Healey MP said:
“As I said when the Jay report was first released, our whole town was shocked and shamed by its findings. This report is also deeply and comprehensively critical of our council and Police.”
“I accept Louise Casey’s findings and support the action the Secretary of State is now taking.
“Locally, we will all work with the commissioners to put right in full the flaws set out in this report, and make sure all Jay’s recommendations to help victims and bring perpetrators to justice will be put in place in full.
“The Secretary of State has promised to play his part, so will he release the £750,000 of Troubled Families and Transformation Award funding withheld from Rotherham, which the Council and other agencies need to help deal with the problems exposed in Casey’s report?”
John Healey adds:
“I supported the Casey review when it was announced. Her report makes clear that Rotherham Council has not done enough to correct the failings exposed by Alexis Jay last year.
“Casey also makes clear that South Yorkshire Police have failed in their duty to protect young people, saying they did not take victims seriously and failed to act on evidence of abuse that they received.
“We in Rotherham must now pull together, rebuild our town’s reputation and Council leadership, and take all steps necessary to put right what has gone so badly wrong in the past.
“In the weeks and months ahead I will play my full part in that effort, both locally, and nationally, including pressing Ministers to make sure that the new leadership of the Council have the external support and the resources they need to make change on the scale required.”