Total of 135 people make compensation claims over care home abuse
Summary
A report revealed that children placed at Skircoat Lodge, a council-run care home in Halifax, West Yorkshire, were likely to suffer serious harm. Since the abuse was uncovered, 135 people have made claims for compensation, and the former home manager and his assistant have been found guilty of sexual abuse and other offenses.Key Facts
- An expert report said children at Skircoat Lodge were likely to face significant harm.
- 135 people made compensation claims related to abuse at the home; 14 claims have been settled so far.
- The former home manager, Malcolm Phillips, was found guilty of sexually abusing children over decades but was deemed unfit to stand trial in 2025 and received an absolute discharge.
- Phillips’ assistant, Linda Brunning, was found guilty of indecent assault and facilitating abuse and sentenced to 25 years in jail.
- The report documented many types of mistreatment including forced punishments, physical abuse, neglect, and a hostile environment among staff.
- The home operated from 1976 to 1996 and was run by Calderdale Council.
- Survivors have spoken publicly about the daily abuse they experienced at Skircoat Lodge.
- The abuse was first formally investigated by the NSPCC in 1994, but justice for some victims came many years later.
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