A Bill to raise the age of criminal responsibility
House of Lords
5 May 2021
This bill would raise the minimum age at which someone can be held criminally responsible. It is being considered in the House of Lords and is currently at its second reading. If enacted, very young children would not be charged with crimes, and cases involving children would focus more on welfare and support rather than criminal penalties.
The bill is at the second reading in the Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage and further readings before potentially moving to the Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 4 February. 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 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
