Overview

This bill proposes to increase 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 bill amends the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. Specifically, it changes section 50, which currently sets the age of criminal responsibility at 10 years old. The amendment replaces "ten" with "twelve," raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12.

Geographical Scope and Commencement: The Act applies only to England and Wales. The commencement date will be determined by the Secretary of State through statutory instrument.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. However, there may be indirect impacts related to the costs of supporting children in the youth justice system, potential increases in social services support for children, and the implications of changed policing practices.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Children aged 10-11: They would no longer be subject to criminal proceedings.
• Families of children aged 10-11: May experience changes in how their children's behavior is addressed.
• The Police and Youth Justice System: Will need to adapt their procedures to deal with children under 12 who may still engage in antisocial behaviour.
• Social Services: May see an increase in referrals of children aged 10-11 who previously may have entered the criminal justice system.

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