Overview

This bill aims to legally permit young people aged 12 and over to undertake voluntary work on heritage railways and tramways in the UK. Currently, legislation restricts this, and this bill seeks to amend that.

Description

The Heritage Railways and Tramways (Voluntary Work) Bill amends the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920. Specifically, it removes restrictions that prevent young people from carrying out unpaid voluntary work on heritage railways and tramways.

Key Definitions:

• Heritage Railway/Tramway: Defined as per the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority for Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 2006.
• Voluntary Work: Unpaid work (excluding travel and out-of-pocket expenses) aimed at benefiting the heritage railway or tramway.
• Young Person: Defined as a “child” under section 558 of the Education Act 1996, but must be at least 12 years old.

The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into effect upon passage.

Government Spending

This bill is not expected to have a significant impact on UK government spending, as it primarily involves amending existing legislation and does not create new funding obligations or programs.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• Young people (aged 12+): They will be able to participate in voluntary work on heritage railways and tramways.
• Heritage railways and tramways: They will be able to utilize a wider volunteer pool.

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