The government has insisted it is making a comprehensive effort to stamp out ‘sex for rent’ offences by strengthening legal guidance and reviewing the impact of current laws.
Such offences, which involve landlords who offer people free or discounted rent within their homes in return for sexual services – usually through online adverts – has led to several high-profile prosecutions.
In a written answer to a question from Labour MP Barry Sheerman, who asked what discussions she was having with the police on investigating and prosecuting landlords who try to offer housing in exchange for sexual relations, Home Office minister Rachel Maclean (main picture) said there was a need to support those at risk of exploitation from the “abhorrent” practice.
“We recognise the importance of ensuring we have the right legislation in place to tackle those seeking to exploit others through this practice,” she said, “that is why in the VAWG (violence against women and girls) Strategy we committed to working across government and with partners to better understand the effectiveness of existing offences in tackling this issue and consider whether further reform is needed.
Police guidance
In parallel, officials are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing, for example, to ensure there is appropriate guidance for policing on the issue of sex for rent.”
Maclean pointed to two existing offences – causing or inciting prostitution for gain, and controlling prostitution for gain – which could capture instances of sex for rent, depending on the circumstances of the case.
She added that the CPS had amended its guidance on prostitution and exploitation of prostitution to include specific reference to the potential availability of charges for offences under sex for rent arrangements, as well as the availability of banning orders for rogue landlords.
The minister added that the Online Safety Bill would include offences relating to the incitement and control of prostitution for gain in the list of ‘priority offences’ which internet companies will need to take proactive steps to tackle. The Bill will capture user-to-user sites, where most sex for rent advertising takes place.
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