Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill [HL]

What this bill does

A bill to raise the age of criminal responsibility; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

30 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would raise the age at which someone can be charged with a criminal offence, creating a higher minimum age for criminal responsibility. It also includes other connected changes to how younger people are treated in the justice system. The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Lords.

Key Points

Raises the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
Includes connected provisions about how offences by younger people are handled.
Affects how police, prosecutors and the courts deal with cases involving young people, and how children's services are involved.
May require changes to other laws or guidance to implement the new age.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage in the Lords and then potentially proceed to the House of Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

Children and young people who would be affected by the new age thresholdParents and carersSchools, youth organisations and clubsLocal authorities and children's servicesPolice, prosecutors and the court systemCommunities and the public affected by justice policy changes

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Age of Criminal Responsibility

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 16 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 74 2012-13, as introduced

BillLords

17 Jan 2013

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics