Oldham council’s demand for a statutory public inquiry into historic child sexual exploitation has been rejected by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, leaving the borough with only voluntary powers to investigate the scandal.

Cooper’s decision, delivered in a letter to the council, maintains the government’s position that an independent local inquiry - without legal authority to compel witnesses - remains the appropriate route for examining the grooming gang allegations that have haunted the town for decades.

The rejection mirrors a similar refusal issued in November and comes despite councillors unanimously backing calls for stronger investigative powers at an extraordinary meeting in February. Campaigners fear the current arrangement will force the inquiry to rely on Greater Manchester Police and other bodies voluntarily providing evidence.

“The Government is committed to doing everything it can to tackle the horrific crimes of child sexual abuse and exploitation,” Cooper wrote, while confirming the Home Office would support Oldham’s existing inquiry plans with funding from a £5 million national pot designated for up to five CSE investigations across the UK.

The Home Secretary pointed to forthcoming legislation as potential reinforcement for local inquiries, noting the planned ‘Hillsborough Law’ would introduce a ‘Duty of Candour’ making it a criminal offense for authorities to obstruct investigations. The bill, due before parliament on April 15, could take months to become law.

An Oldham council spokesperson insisted the local authority would press ahead with its inquiry chaired by Tom Crowther KC, who has prior experience investigating CSE in Telford. “We’re now in the process of formalising the commissioning arrangements,” the spokesperson said. “This process will be taking place over the coming weeks, and will ensure survivors are at the heart of the local inquiry.”

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