Is this Greater Manchester borough finally getting what it deserves?

Oldham has been at the centre of an almighty row over grooming gangs - but this is only the latest chapter in a long story.

The government announced today (October 16) that it would help Oldham council set up its own local inquiry into child sexual exploitation. It comes after the local authority's request for a government-led inquiry was rejected, reigniting furore over the issue.

That request from the council followed years of furious rows in Oldham over who should lead a review into the town's gruesome history of grooming gangs. These rows only intensified when an inquiry commissioned by Andy Burnham was completed in 2022.

The independent assurance review into child sexual exploitation commissioned by the Greater Manchester mayor identified serious failings in Oldham, but found 'no evidence' of a cover-up. This conclusion sparked renewed calls for the government to lead an inquiry.

And while the government rejected Oldham council's request last year, it has now announced that the local authority - and up to four other areas - will get help with setting up its own locally-led inquiry. The latest announcement was part of a £10m package of funding.

It is unclear how much of this money Oldham council will get for its own inquiry at this stage, but the Manchester Evening News understands that such an inquiry would cost millions. And crucially, it may not satisfy those who have called for a national probe.

Former GMP detective Maggie Oliver, the whistleblower who helped expose grooming gangs in Greater Manchester over the last two decades, is among those who believes a new public inquiry is needed. She warned home secretary Yvette Cooper earlier today (January 16) that she would take her to court if the recommendations of