Councillors want to know that victims and people affected by child sexual exploitation are getting the right support.

Kirklees councillors agreed a scrutiny panel will look at whether the authority’s procedures were leading to a positive outcome for those affected.

It means they will seek to speak to people affected, ask questions and use real life examples to hold council officers to account on the issue.

Clr Nigel Patrick and Clr Darren O’Donovan, both members of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Development and Environment, agreed that speaking to a support group was a positive sign.

Clr Patrick said: “We hear about the procedures from our officers, but we don’t have any indication whether they are working properly. We don’t know the outcome and I feel getting the views of parents and people close to those affected will help us know if our procedures are right and working.

“If there are any gaps then we know that we need to improve the service.”

Clr O’Donovan added: “I agree, what came out of Rotherham was that victims of child sexual exploitation didn’t feel listened to. If there is a way we can do this then we should.”

Due to the vulnerability of people affected, it could be the scrutiny panel works with a support group or holds an online anonymous survey.

The panel is assessing how Kirklees Council and the police handle cases of child sexual exploitation and the two councillors agreed it should be reviewed twice a year.

Only two of the six councillors on the crutiny panel made it to today's - Thursday, February 5 - meeting