Overview

The Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill aims to improve support for victims of modern slavery in the UK, particularly by extending the length of support offered and clarifying the process for granting leave to remain for adult victims.

Description

This bill significantly amends the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Key changes include:

Support for Adult Victims:

It mandates the provision of assistance and support for adult victims of modern slavery for a minimum period. This support begins before a determination is made on whether they are a victim and continues for at least 12 months after a positive determination. The support includes accommodation, financial aid, medical care, counselling, and legal assistance. The Secretary of State must ensure victims cannot be removed from the UK during this period.

Leave to Remain:

The bill introduces provisions for granting leave to remain in the UK to adult victims of modern slavery. This is conditional on receiving support under the amended Act or meeting certain criteria such as needing medical treatment or participating in legal proceedings. Victims granted leave to remain will have access to public funds.

Support for Child Victims:

Amendments to the Children Act 1989 strengthen the duty of local authorities to safeguard child victims of trafficking, emphasizing the prevention of re-trafficking and mandating the consideration of a child's particular needs.

Other Amendments:

The bill clarifies definitions, removes redundant sections, and makes consequential amendments to existing legislation related to modern slavery.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending on support services for victims of modern slavery. While precise figures are not provided in the bill text, the extended duration and expanded scope of support will necessitate increased funding for accommodation, financial assistance, medical care, and other support services.

Groups Affected

• Adult victims of modern slavery: Will benefit from extended support and potentially leave to remain in the UK.
• Child victims of human trafficking: Will receive enhanced protection and safeguarding measures from local authorities.
• Support providers: Will be subject to new minimum standards and inspections to ensure the quality of support services.
• Government: Will experience increased financial expenditure to fund the extended support provisions.
• Immigration authorities: Will have to implement new rules concerning leave to remain for victims of modern slavery.

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