Oversight & ethics enforcementSexual abuse & harassmentChild protection

A UK government inquiry found children in Lambeth Council's care were subjected to decades of cruelty and sexual abuse

Confidence: Confirmed · 3 sourcesLambeth · Oct 12, 2026

Subject of this story

Lambeth Council

Also named

Oversight

Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

What happened

IICSA (the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse) published its Lambeth Council investigation report on 27 July 2021, describing the abuse of children in the council's care as 'hard to comprehend'. By June 2020 the council had received complaints of sexual abuse from 705 former residents, and the inquiry said the true number of victims is probably higher. It found institutional failings affected the handling of abuse allegations and that over 40 years the council disciplined only one senior employee for their part in the abuse. Lambeth has apologised and accepted the findings. Its Children's Homes Redress Scheme closed to new applications on 1 January 2022; by July 2021 more than 71.5 million pounds had been paid out, and appeals concluded through September 2024.

Sources (3)

Lambeth Council - Children's Homes Redress Scheme (official)more than £71.5 million has been paid out of the scheme; the scheme offers survivors 'swift and compassionate redress' alongside independent legal representation, formal apologies and counselling support.

Lambeth Council (official)Scheme closed to new applications on 1 January 2022; eligibility appeals concluding by 30 June 2024, redress-level appeals by 31 August 2024, applicant-cost appeals by 30 September 2024.

IICSAChildren in care of Lambeth Council subjected to decades of cruelty and sexual abuse, Inquiry report finds

Response

Lambeth Council

On-record admission

Contacted and made an on-record admission — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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