Belated publication of a report into child abuse at council-run care homes in north Wales has concluded there was ‘extensive' abuse over a ‘substantial' period of time – and that at least 12 children died.

The Jillings Report into residential care in north Wales – including the infamous Bryn Estyn home near Wrexham – was commissioned by the former Clwyd Council in 1994.

The council asked former Derbyshire CC social services chief John Jillings to review the situation after a 1991 police investigation led to the conviction of seven former care workers. Up to 40 homes were linked to abuse allegations dating back to the 1970s.

Despite the convictions, allegations that other perpetrators were involved – including public figures - lingered.

Following a Freedom of Information request by the BBC, a redacted version of the 300-page report was published on 8 July.

The document states: ‘Our investigations have led us to conclude that the abuse of children and young people in Clwyd residential units has been extensive, and has taken place over a number of years.

‘It is clear that in a significant number of cases, the lives of young people who have been through the care system in Clwyd have been severely disrupted and disturbed. At least 12 young people are dead.'

But many of the findings will disappoint campaigners pushing for transparency over the scale of abuse, and the hunt for other perpetrators. Jillings reveals, for example, that it is not clear how many statements were forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service, nor how many contained allegations against public figures including police officers.

Former staff at Clwyd Council are criticised – as are the authority's former child protection polices - although the council is praised for its determination to examine ‘what went wrong'.

A joint statement by the six councils now representing north Wales, including Wrexham, urged victims of abuse to come forward and offered support.

The statement reveals that ‘very few' children are now placed in residential care, claims that vulnerable children are now heavily monitored, and details reforms to children's services.

‘In north Wales, the safeguarding of children and young people is a high priority for today's councils,' it concludes.