Overview

This bill makes it a crime to provide or advertise services that help students cheat on their higher education assessments in England and Wales. This includes services that complete assignments or exams on behalf of students without authorization.

Description

The bill criminalizes two key actions:

• Providing Cheating Services: It's illegal to offer services that complete (fully or partly) assignments, exams, or other coursework for students enrolled in higher education in England, without their institution's permission, if payment or other financial benefit is received or expected.
• Advertising Cheating Services: Advertising or publishing advertisements for these services is also an offense, unless a reasonable excuse can be provided.

The bill specifies that the offense applies only if the service was used, or could reasonably have been expected to be used, to help a student complete required work without authorization. A defense is available if the provider can show they didn't know, and couldn't reasonably have known, the intended use of the service. The bill also addresses corporate liability, making directors and managers accountable if their company commits this offense.

Penalties include fines, with the potential for both summary conviction (lesser penalties) and conviction on indictment (more serious penalties). The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into force upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The primary cost would likely relate to enforcement (investigations and prosecutions) by existing law enforcement agencies and potential court costs. No specific figures are provided within the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Students: The bill aims to protect the academic integrity of students and could affect those who might be tempted to use cheating services.
• Higher Education Institutions: Universities and colleges are indirectly affected as the bill aims to uphold the standards of their assessments.
• Providers of Cheating Services: These individuals or companies would face criminal prosecution if caught providing or advertising such services.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: They would be responsible for enforcing the new law.

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