Home Office announces new laws to reduce street prostitution

The Home Office has announced a range of new laws aimed at reducing street prostitution, enabling the police to prosecute kerb-crawlers for their first offences and providing the courts with new powers to close premises associated with prostitution and pornography offences.

With effect from 1 April, men looking for paid sex on the street can be arrested on their first offence with police no longer having to show that kerb-crawlers are “persistent” before arresting them.

The other measures, introduced under the the Crime and Policing Act 2009, include:

• a new strict liability offence that will make it illegal to pay for sexual services with a prostitute who is subject to exploitative conduct, which includes force, deception or threats, backed up by fines of up to £1,000 and a criminal record;

• new powers for the courts to close down premises associated with certain prostitution and pornography offences, to enable the police to disrupt criminal activity associated with sexual exploitation, especially involving children;

• a new penalty for the offence of loitering or soliciting for the purposes of prostitution. The penalty will include a requirement for women to attend meetings to address the causes of their involvement with the aim of helping them to leave street prostitution which can be used by courts instead of a fine.

At the same time, the Home Office also announced a new poster campaign  warning of the criminal penalties involved in paying for sex with someone who has been exploited.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "We are determined to tackle the demand for prostitution and provide help for those who wish to leave prostitution. These new measures build on the significant action we have already taken to tackle prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation. They will help bring greater protection to vulnerable people involved in prostitution.”