Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

One year on: Government delivery of recommendations from Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

16 June 2026 · Home Office

Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham, Ladywood

Children & FamiliesJustice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK Government has legislated new offences related to group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.
  • Operation BEACONPORT has been established with increased funding to address the issue.
  • The government has disregarded convictions for certain prostitution-related offences to better support victims.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the progress made by the UK Government in implementing the recommendations from Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Action requested

The government has legislated new offences, established Operation BEACONPORT with increased funding, disregarded convictions for certain prostitution-related offenses, improved information sharing duties, invested in data integration services, and committed to continued work on suspect ethnicity data collection. The statement also outlines future plans including a post-implementation review of criminal law changes and enhancing national oversight through the Child Protection Authority.

Key facts

  • Baroness Casey’s National Audit recommendations were published one year ago.
  • Government accepted all 12 recommendations from Baroness Casey’s report.
  • New offences legislated in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 covering rape and other penetrative sexual activity with a child under 16.
  • Operation BEACONPORT, overseen by the National Crime Agency, receives £37.7 million funding this year as part of a £100 million package to tackle child sexual abuse.
  • The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is backed by a £65 million commitment.
  • Section 1 of the Street Offences Act 1959 convictions and cautions are disregarded for those under 18 at the time of the offence.
  • Information Sharing Duty secured through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 to ensure clear information sharing obligations.
  • £10.8 million invested in the Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX) Programme this year.
  • Government committed to track progress on all recommendations, including a post-implementation review of criminal law changes.
  • Over £100m investment to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse.
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