Overview

This bill proposes to transfer responsibility for safeguarding and caring for child victims of human trafficking from local authorities in England and Wales to the central government (the Secretary of State).

Description

The bill amends the Children Act 1989. Specifically, it adds a new subsection (1A) to Section 17, stating that subsection (1)(a) (which pertains to local authority responsibilities) will not apply to child victims of human trafficking. Instead, the Secretary of State will assume responsibility.

The bill creates a duty for the Secretary of State to make provisions for the safeguarding and protection of child victims of human trafficking (under 18 years old). The Secretary of State is empowered to create regulations to implement these provisions.

The bill will be known as the Child Victims of Human Trafficking (Central Government Responsibility) Act 2016 and comes into force immediately upon passing. It applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not specified in the provided text. It is likely to result in increased central government expenditure on services relating to the safeguarding and care of child victims of human trafficking, as these costs will shift from local authorities to the national level. The exact figures are unavailable.

Groups Affected

• Child victims of human trafficking (under 18): They will experience a shift in the responsible authority for their care and protection.
• Local authorities in England and Wales: They will lose responsibility for safeguarding child victims of human trafficking.
• Central government (Secretary of State): They will gain responsibility and associated costs for the safeguarding and care of child victims of human trafficking.
• Organizations supporting victims of human trafficking: The bill may impact the way these organizations work with the government to provide services.

Powered by nyModel