New power signals victory in bid to protect children from sexual exploitation

Councillor Colin Lambert

A power to allow senior police or council officers to temporarily close premises where they suspect children are being sexually exploited is to become law.

The measure is a victory for Rochdale Borough Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert and Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime, Tony Lloyd after they campaigned to have the measure introduced.

The Government initially rejected the plea for the proposal, but had a change of heart after Baroness Smith of Basildon introduced an amendment to the Bill in the House of Lords.

Now that the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act has received royal assent, the measure will become law.

Councillor Lambert said: “We welcome this positive response from the government. The joint working between the council, police and central government clearly demonstrates how Rochdale is leading the way in how to tackle this serious problem.”

The closure notice will allow senior police or council officers to step in and temporarily shut down non-licensed premises where they believe children are being sexually exploited.

This could include takeaways, corner ships or other premises where grooming has been known to take place.

Shocking cases from across the country have shown where children and young people have been forced to carry out disgusting sexual acts by predatory paedophiles. In return they have been given 'gifts' such as mobile phones or new shoes. In some cases 'rewards' have included bags of chips or a hamburger.