Macclesfield councillors are back to work, as borough figures have been revealed about child exploitation.

More than 170 children in Cheshire East were referred to social services because of child exploitation last year.

Child exploitation includes sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, female genital mutilation, radicalisation and honour-based violence.

The annual report of the Cheshire East Safeguarding Children's Partnership states: "In 2020-21 there were 352 contacts to the front door where child exploitation was a factor affecting either the individual or a family member.

"This related to 304 separate children."

The Cheshire East figures relate to the council year 2020-21, which runs from the end of March 2020 to the beginning of April 2021.

In total, 173 of the 304 contacted resulted in a referral to social care.

To protect the identities of the children, the exact figures for Macclesfield have not been disclosed.

The council says tackling child exploitation in Cheshire East is a key priority for action over the coming year.

Last year the Child Exploitation Operational Group was set up to share information monthly between various agencies, including the police, to safeguard and protect children from potential exploitation.

This stat is new and has been established by the group, so no previous figures were available.

The report will be discussed at Monday's (January 10) meeting of the children and families committee which takes place at 10.30am at Crewe Municipal Buildings. Residents of Macclesfield can attend.

To report child exploitation in Macclesfield, please call 999 if the child is at immediate risk, or call 101 if you think a crime has been committed.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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