Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed Protect Duty on parish and town councils in England; and what new funding they intend to provide to local authorities to support their compliance with that legislation.

Martyn’s Law, formerly known as the Protect Duty, will be published as a draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny this Spring. The Home Office is acutely conscious that this Bill must be proportionate, ensuring not to place undue burdens on local authorities, including parish and town councils, whilst balancing against the threat the UK faces from terrorism.

Alongside the draft Bill, the Home Office will publish an impact assessment. A further, updated, impact assessment will be completed prior to any formal introduction of the Bill. The Home Office will also undertake a new burdens assessment and assess any requirements arising from it.