UK Government Moves To Criminalise Child Exploitation And Cuckooing

Khushboo Malhotra

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The UK government has announced that criminal child exploitation and “cuckooing” will become standalone offences under the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill.

MPs introduced the bill in Parliament on 25th February 2025 as part of the government’s wider Plan for Change.

In a move to stop the exploitation of vulnerable people, the legislation would make it illegal to coerce anyone into criminal activities, including county lines drug trafficking and robbery.

Additionally, the bill will outlaw cuckooing – a term used to describe criminals taking over the home of a vulnerable person to conduct illegal operations.

Is Child Exploitation A Growing Crisis?

Authorities suggest that around 14,500 children were at risk of exploitation for criminal activities between 2023 and 2024.

The government argues that current laws aren’t leading to enough prosecutions of offenders who use children to commit crimes. This has led to repeat offences.

The new child criminal exploitation (CCE) offence aims to close this gap by targeting those who groom young people.

Those found guilty could face 10 years in prison, at most.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the exploitation of children and vulnerable people as “sickening.”

In a statement, she said: “As part of our Plan for Change, we are introducing these two offences to properly punish those who prey on them, ensure victims are properly protected and prevent these often-hidden crimes from occurring in the first place.” 

Preventing Child Exploitation

The bill will also introduce CCE Prevention Orders, allowing courts to impose restrictions on those suspected of exploiting children.

These could include bans on working with minors, associating with certain individuals or entering designated areas.

“Stronger safeguarding measures and early intervention will be key to breaking the cycle of harm.”

Breaching these orders could lead to a five-year prison sentence.

Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, welcomed the move, calling it a “vital step forward” after years of campaigning.

“For too long, adults who groom children into criminal activity — forcing them to hold drugs, launder money or commit theft – have evaded accountability,” he [Russell] said, “charges such as drug possession ignore the core truth; these are child abusers exploiting vulnerable young people.”

“Ensuring that victims of exploitation are recognized as such.”

Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, also praised the bill. She said: “The ruthless criminal exploitation of vulnerable children has been a brutal and lucrative business model for organized criminals for too long.”

She also added that this change is “long overdue, very welcome, and will save lives.”

Cracking Down On Cuckooing

The bill will also introduce a new offence targeting cuckooing.

Criminals infiltrate and take over the homes of vulnerable individuals — often those with disabilities, substance misuse issues or mental health challenges — to use as bases for illegal activity.

It is a tactic often linked to drug supply, serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

The offence will carry a penalty of five years in prison.

Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, stressed the importance of ensuring that victims of exploitation are recognized as such.

“It would provide consistency in victim support across the country.”

She said: “Many children targeted by adult criminals themselves face punishment instead of support. Like too many child victims, they are often ignored and overlooked. Their voices and experiences must be listened to if we are to create a child-centric justice system that puts safeguarding at its heart.”

Russell echoed the sentiment, calling for a statutory definition of CCE, arguing that it would provide consistency in victim support across the country.

Campaigners Want More

The government appears to be advocating for an end to exploitation with these new offences.

However, campaigners stress that enforcement alone is not enough. They argue that stronger safeguarding measures and early intervention will be key to breaking the cycle of harm.

The Crime and Policing Bill will now continue to move through Parliament.

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Featured image courtesy of Phil Hearing via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license can be found here.