Member

My hon. Friend will know that, in 2015, the Street Offences Act 1959 was amended to apply the offence of loitering or soliciting only to adults. However, those who were convicted or cautioned for the offence while under 18 still live with the consequences, including reduced employment opportunities. In line with the commitments we made earlier this week arising from the Casey report, I can therefore commit to bringing forward amendments in the Lords to introduce a new disregards and pardons scheme for anyone convicted or cautioned as a child for the offence of loitering or soliciting. Although the offence is rarely used today, I am mindful that on-street prostitution continues to have an impact on local communities, so I cannot commit to the complete repeal of the offence proposed in the new clause until there has been an opportunity to consult properly with communities.