Overview

This bill proposes to raise the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales from 10 to 12 years old. This means that children under the age of 12 would no longer be held criminally liable for their actions.

Description

The primary change introduced by this bill is the amendment of Section 50 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. The amendment substitutes "twelve" for "ten," effectively raising the age at which a child can be prosecuted for a crime. The bill also includes standard clauses specifying the short title (Age of Criminal Responsibility Act 2013), allowing the Secretary of State to determine the commencement date, and confirming that it applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the expected impact on government spending. However, it could lead to increased costs associated with supporting children under 12 involved in the justice system through alternative measures such as restorative justice or youth support programs, rather than prosecution. Precise figures are unavailable in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Children aged 10-11: They would no longer be subject to criminal prosecution.
• Law enforcement agencies (police): They would need to adapt their procedures for dealing with alleged offences committed by 10-11-year-olds.
• The Youth Justice System: The system would require adjustments to manage cases involving younger children through alternative approaches.
• Families of children aged 10-11: They may experience changes in how their children's alleged offences are handled.

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