This page will be developed as an on going over view of Brothels in the UK, and changes to the Law related to UK Brothels, and UK sex works in general. Links concerning current laws have been added.


Currently the main debate concerning the changes in UK Sex Law have been conducted at this link.
Why not join and have your say

http://hetro.proboards31.com/index.cgi

A Simplification of UK Laws relating to prostitution and Brothels

www.sw5.info/morelaw.htm#soliciting

Paying the Price, a consultation paper on prostitution, has been published to prompt a public debate on how to deal with the issues raised by prostitution in England and Wales. Views on policy and practice will pave the way for the development of a coordinated strategy for prostitution – aimed at reducing the harms associated with prostitution, experienced by those involved and by those communities in which it takes place. Views are welcome from everyone with an interest in this area of public policy, but particularly from those with experience of involvement in prostitution, those with experience of the impact of prostitution in their neighbourhood, and from those agencies - both voluntary and statutory - working in this field.

The background to the review

Exploitation, violence and problematic drug use is a reality for many of those involved in prostitution. Prostitution can also seriously damage the communities in which it takes place. There is also increasing concern about links with organised crime and, in particular, with drug markets and with people trafficking.

The Sex Offences Act 2003 introduced new offences for those who exploit children or adults for the purposes of prostitution or pornography. Preventing children and young people from becoming vulnerable to abuse through prostitution, and offering protection and support for all those already involved, still needs to be addressed. This paper identifies examples of existing good practice and seeks views on how we can build on these to develop a clear and coherent, systematic approach to tackling prostitution. Other approaches in place around the world are also explored as a basis for a sensible and mature debate on how best to respond to this difficult issue.

How to access the consultation paper

The consultation paper, Paying the Price, is available below as a PDF document.
Paying the Price - a Consultation Paper (file size: 604kb)

An accompanying partial Regulatory Impact Assessment is in the process of being developed and will be available on this site, or from the review team, shortly.

Printed copies of the paper are also available, free of charge, from the address below.

How to respond to the consultation exercise

The consultation paper sets out a number of key questions on which we would welcome views. Your response to these questions, and any other aspect of the paper, will be welcome at any stage of the consultation period but must be received by Friday 26 November. It would be helpful if you would use the attached cover sheet.

Cover sheet for responses (file size: 28kb)

Responses should be sent to:
Prostitution Review Team
Home Office
50 Queen Anne’s Gate
London SW1H 9AT

Or by e-mail to:
prostitutionreview@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Useful links

Paying the Price includes a good deal of information about the nature and scale of prostitution, and about existing initiatives which can have an impact on the issues associated with prostitution. This page also provides links to related information, which will be added to as new information becomes available.

If you have information which you think may be of interest to those engaging in this consultation exercise, please contact the prostitution review team at the above address.

Related documents

Tackling Street Prostitution: Towards an Holistic Approach

Solutions and Strategies: drug problems and street sex markets. Guidance for partnerships and providers

Department of Health (2000) - Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution

Self, H (2003) Prostitution, Women and the Misuse of the Law: The Fallen Daughters of Eve - provides a helpful overview of the background to the present laws relating to prostitution. (London, Frank Cass)

Other Home Office sites

Crime Reduction website - is aimed at the crime reduction community and offers a range of practical advice. This toolkit in particular aims to be relevant for those who have responsibility for addressing sexual offences, prostitution and violence against women
Domestic Violence - advice about what you can do to combat domestic violence and what the Home Office is doing
Drugs.gov.uk - is the national drug strategy website for drug prevention and treatment professionals
Frank website - offers practical and straight-talking advice about drugs and their effects
Sexual Offences Act 2003 - information about the Act which strengthens the registration requirements for sex offenders, and comprehensively reforms and modernises the law on sex offences
Youth Justice Board website - offers a wealth of advice about crime and the prevention of crime in young people.

Other Government sites

Area Child Protection Committees website - provides information about the work of the ACP Committees to safeguard children from abuse and neglect
Connexions website - gives young people a wealth of information about everything from work to housing to relationships
Sexual Health website- offers a range of sexual health information
Supporting People website - provides information about a programme to offer vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life
Sure Start website - supports the Government's programme to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together: early education, childcare, health and family support.

External organisations

Barnardo’s website - tells you more about the work Barnardo's do to support vulnerable children and young people and tells you how you can get involved
Childline website - provides information about the 24-hour helpline for young people needing help or advice
The Children’s Society website - supports the Society's aims to work with and for children to help them deal with life's harshest challenges

Other links will be added to this page shortly

Have you been offered an underage girl?
Report child prostitution - ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111