Overview

This bill aims to increase the penalties for supplying controlled drugs to children under 16 in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It does this by making such offences considered aggravated, leading to harsher sentences.

Description

The Supply of Drugs to Children Under 16 (Aggravated Offence) Bill amends the Sentencing Act 2020 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It introduces a new aggravating factor for supplying or offering to supply controlled drugs to anyone under 16. This means that courts must consider this as a significant factor increasing the seriousness of the crime and publicly state that the offence has been aggravated. The amendment applies to all UK jurisdictions.

Key Changes:

• Aggravating Factor: Supplying drugs to under-16s becomes a mandatory aggravating factor in sentencing.
• Public Declaration: Courts must declare the offence as aggravated in open court.
• UK-wide Application: The changes apply to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The primary impact will be on the judicial system through increased sentencing and potential implications for the prison system.

Groups Affected

• Individuals supplying drugs to children under 16: Will face harsher penalties.
• Children under 16: The bill aims to protect them from drug-related harm, though the indirect effect on drug availability is uncertain.
• Courts and the judiciary: Will have a new mandatory sentencing guideline to apply.
• Prison system: May see an increase in inmates due to longer sentences.

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