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Written question asked by Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 20 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 August 2026. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Monday, 3 August 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Offences against Children

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of religious confession as a regulated activity for the purposes of the mandatory reporting duty for child abuse.

Answer

This government remains firmly committed to tackling all forms of child sexual abuse. The new mandatory reporting duty we are working to implement will be a vital step in safeguarding children more effectively across a range of institutions and settings.

The duty will apply to those working or volunteering with children in faith settings, and there will be no exceptions based on religious practices.

Ministers and officials from the Home Office have had discussions on mandatory reporting with representatives of various Church denominations over recent months as this new duty progressed through the Crime and Policing Act. We will continue to engage across government and with stakeholders to help manage the implementation of the new duty to ensure readiness and compliance for when the duty comes into effect in 2027.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2355
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Offences against children Religious practice
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk