A group of alleged child abuse victims have succeeded in winning compensation from Manchester City Council for their treatment in children’s homes from the 1950s—1990s.
Law firm Abney Garsden McDonald brought legal action on behalf of 163 claimants, who claimed they were abused while in care in three homes run by the city council, Rosehill in Northenden, Broome House in Didsbury and Mobberley Boys in Knutsford.
Manchester City Council has agreed to settle all abuse cases now and in the future. The 163 claimants do not now have to give evidence in court, and have agreed to accept a 45% deduction of the value of their claim.
Peter Garsden, lead solicitor in the action, says: “The claimants want an apology for the abuse they suffered in the past, not technical arguments designed to defeat their valid claims. They perceive the arguments of the council as a reflection on their honesty, which damages them once again.
“All they want is to speak their truth, and be believed. I hope that the council do not change their mind, once again, and that they continue to genuinely settle these cases. It will save a lot of time and money if they do so. I remain hopeful.”
In 2007, the firm secured nearly £2.26m for a separate group of 168 claimants. The legal action followed a police investigation into 66 children’s homes in Greater Manchester, which resulted in several prosecutions.
