Criminal Fraud (Private Prosecutions) Bill

A Bill to make provision about private prosecutions in cases of suspected criminal fraud in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Parliament last updated

4 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would set rules for private prosecutions in cases of suspected fraud. It aims to specify when a private individual can start a fraud case and what conditions must be met, with safeguards to ensure prosecutions are appropriate and properly overseen. It also clarifies how private prosecutions relate to public bodies like the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Key Points

- Regulates private prosecutions in cases of suspected fraud, outlining when they may be brought.
- Introduces safeguards or criteria to protect the public interest in such prosecutions.
- Addresses how private prosecutions interact with public prosecutors and law enforcement.
- Originates as a Private Members’ Bill in the Commons, sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope; currently at the 2nd Reading.
- Described as applying in certain circumstances, leaving specific details to the bill’s provisions.

Progress

The Bill has completed its first reading in the Commons (in February 2020) and is currently at the 2nd Reading stage, indicating it is in the early part of the legislative process and would need further stages to become law.

Who is affected?

Private individuals or organisations who might bring a private prosecution for suspected fraudPeople who are or could be charged in private prosecutionsLawyers and law firms representing private prosecutors or defendantsThe Crown Prosecution Service and the police, in relation to public prosecutions and investigationsVictims of fraud who rely on or are affected by the availability of private prosecutions

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

10 Feb 2020

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Criminal Fraud (Private Prosecutions)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.