Overview

The Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill aims to improve support for victims of modern slavery in the UK. It extends the period of support offered to adult victims, provides clearer guidelines for support provision, and strengthens the link between support and immigration status. It also enhances protections for child victims of trafficking.

Description

Support for Adult Victims

The bill amends the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to ensure adult victims receive assistance and support for a minimum of 12 months after a conclusive determination of their victim status, potentially longer depending on their needs. This support includes accommodation, financial assistance, medical and psychological treatment, legal aid, and repatriation assistance. The bill also guarantees immigration bail during the initial support period and, following a conclusive determination, potentially grants leave to remain in the UK to facilitate access to ongoing support.

Support for Child Victims

The bill amends the Children Act 1989 to specifically address the needs of child victims of trafficking. It mandates that local authorities take all reasonable steps to prevent re-trafficking when providing accommodation and requires consideration of the child’s need to prevent re-trafficking in accommodation decisions. This includes mandating consideration of the child's independent child trafficking advocate in safeguarding plans.

Immigration Provisions

The bill introduces new provisions for leave to remain in the UK for adult victims of modern slavery. This leave will be granted for the duration of their support period, or at least 12 months, potentially extending further. It provides that those granted leave have recourse to public funds.

Refusal of Support

The bill allows the Secretary of State to refuse support, bail, or leave to remain to those deemed to pose a genuine, present and serious risk to public safety and who are sexual or violent offenders. Written reasons must be provided for any refusal.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending on support for victims of modern slavery. Exact figures are not provided in the bill itself, but the extension of support periods and the enhanced provisions for accommodation, medical care, and legal assistance indicate a significant increase in expenditure is expected.

Groups Affected

• Adult victims of modern slavery: Will receive extended support and potentially leave to remain in the UK.
• Child victims of human trafficking: Will benefit from enhanced safeguards and prevention of re-trafficking measures.
• Support providers: Will need to adapt to new standards and guidelines.
• Government agencies: Will have increased responsibilities in providing support and assessing risk.
• UK taxpayers: May see increased taxes to fund the expanded support programs.

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