Letter of reply from Councillor Shah to Home Secretary
Published 10 December 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-inquiry-into-grooming-gangs-letters/letter-of-reply-from-councillor-shah-to-home-secretary
Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood Home Secretary
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Cllr Arooj Shah
Leader of Oldham Council Leader’s Office
The JR Clynes Building
Cultural Quarter
Greaves Street
Oldham
OL1 1AL
Dear Shabana,
Thank you for your letter and for the continued engagement from the Home Office on this vital issue. I welcome the confirmation that Oldham will now be prioritised as one of the early areas for local investigation in this full statutory inquiry into child sexual exploitation, and I also welcome the appointment of the Chair and Panel members who will lead this national work.
As you will be aware, in July 2024, Oldham voted to request a national public inquiry at a Full Council meeting. We therefore strongly welcome the Government’s decision to proceed and the Chair and Panel’s confirmation that they will prioritise Oldham as one of the first areas for local investigation. This is an important step forward for our borough and for everyone who has been affected. I have heard directly and clearly from survivors in Oldham about how much this matters. Being able to give their testimony in a way that is recognised and respected is essential. They want answers about their own experiences, and they want their voices to help shape national recommendations that will prevent other children from suffering in the same way.
It is also vital that the inquiry plays its full role in bringing perpetrators to justice and in ensuring accountability for individuals and organisations that failed young people in the past. Oldham Council will cooperate fully to support this work.
We welcome the Chair’s intention to visit Oldham in the New Year to meet with survivors and partners. We look forward to working closely with the inquiry to ensure that Oldham residents, especially those who have already waited far too long, have the chance to be listened to and believed.
Yours Sincerely,
Cllr Arooj Shah
Leader of Oldham Council