Written question asked by Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Cuckooing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what timeframe her Department has set for publishing statutory guidance to police forces on the offence of cuckooing under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

Answer

The Crime and Policing Act introduces a new offence of ‘cuckooing’ (controlling another’s home for criminal purposes). The new cuckooing offence will ensure that we are taking strong action against those who prey on vulnerable people and help to ensure that victims are identified and protected from this appalling crime.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 includes provision for the Secretary of State to issue statutory guidance to relevant law enforcement officers about the exercise of their functions in connection with the prevention, detection and investigation of the cuckooing offence. The Secretary of State is required to consult appropriate persons before issuing this guidance.

The Home Office is currently developing this statutory guidance for police, alongside non-statutory guidance for all professionals, in consultation with police and partners to ensure that the guidance supports an effective response to cuckooing. We will commence the new cuckooing offence as soon as possible, once the necessary guidance is in place.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10823
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Cuckooing
Legislation: Crime and Policing Act 2026
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Cuckooing

Secondary information

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