A Bill to amend the length of time for which an individual may have a criminal record under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
House of Lords
8 November 2019
The Criminal Records Bill would change how long a person’s criminal record can stay on their file under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It sets new time limits for when convictions become spent, meaning they may no longer need to be disclosed in most circumstances. The aim is to help people move on from past offences while keeping protections for the public.
The bill is at the second reading in the Lords. If it progresses, it will move to committee stage in the Lords, followed by further readings and consideration before it could pass to the Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 22 October. 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.
The 2017-19 Parliament dissolved at the end of the 2019 Session and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
