Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill

This bill would change the age at which children can be charged with crimes in England and Wales. Currently, children aged 10 and above can face criminal charges. The bill would raise this minimum age, though the exact new age limit is not specified in the available information. This means fewer young children would go through the criminal justice system. Instead, they might receive support through other services. The change would affect how police, courts, and social services deal with children who break the law. Supporters say young children should not face criminal punishment. Critics worry this could mean some serious crimes go without proper consequences.

• 1Changes the minimum age for criminal charges in England and Wales
• 2Currently children aged 10 can be charged with crimes
• 3Would raise the age limit to protect younger children from criminal prosecution
• 4Affected children would likely receive support through other services instead
• 5Would change how police, courts and social services handle child offenders