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Police say extra funds to hunt grooming gangs in England and Wales will ‘likely fall short’
UK NewsPolitics•May 19, 2026 at 6:47 PMNational

Police say extra funds to hunt grooming gangs in England and Wales will ‘likely fall short’

By Rajeev Syal Home affairs editor•The Guardian - UK News

Government announces a near tenfold increase but forces fear it will not cover anticipated cost of dedicated teamsKeir Starmer’s government has announced a near tenfold increase in funding for detectives hunting grooming gangs but has been warned by police that the amount will “likely fall short” of what is needed.Operation Beaconport, which was set up last year to review closed group-based sexual exploitation inquiries in England and Wales, will receive nearly £38m, a Home Office statement said – up from £4m given last year. Continue reading...

Government announces a near tenfold increase but forces fear it will not cover anticipated cost of dedicated teams

Keir Starmer’s government has announced a near tenfold increase in funding for detectives hunting grooming gangs but has been warned by police that the amount will “likely fall short” of what is needed.

Operation Beaconport, which was set up last year to review closed group-based sexual exploitation inquiries in England and Wales, will receive nearly £38m, a Home Office statement said – up from £4m given last year.

Continue reading...