Overview

This bill mandates a government review of penalties for human trafficking offences in England and Wales. The review will assess current sentencing practices, aiming to improve victim protection, enhance prosecution of criminals, and better reflect the severity of these crimes.

Description

The Human Trafficking (Sentencing) Bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct a review of penalties for human trafficking offences. This review must consider:

• The adequacy of existing maximum penalties.
• The adequacy of existing sentencing guidelines.
• The potential for minimum sentences for certain offences.
• Obstacles to the use of life sentences.
• The interplay between human trafficking prosecutions and those for associated organised crimes.
• The effectiveness of slavery and trafficking reparation, prevention, and risk orders.
• The appropriateness of suspended sentences for human trafficking offences.

The review must consult with victims and their representatives, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). A report on the review's findings must be presented to Parliament within six months of the bill's passage. The bill applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, the review itself will likely incur costs associated with research, consultations, and report preparation. Any subsequent legislative or policy changes recommended by the review could lead to further costs or savings depending on their nature.

Groups Affected

• Victims of human trafficking: The bill aims to improve their protection and may lead to more effective support systems.
• Perpetrators of human trafficking: The review could result in harsher penalties and increased prosecution rates.
• Law enforcement agencies (e.g., police, CPS): The review may lead to changes in their practices and procedures.
• The judiciary: The bill could lead to changes in sentencing guidelines and practices.

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