Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will issue statutory guidance to enable section 65-67 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to be enforced.

Sections 65-67 of 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.