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<p>The Modern Slavery Bill will enable us to strengthen our response to human trafficking
and modern slavery for both adults and children. We announced in January our intention
to trial specialist independent advocates for victims of child trafficking. <br><br>23
local authorities have agreed to participate in the trial: Greater Manchester including
Manchester City, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Salford,
Trafford; West Midlands including, Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull,
Walsall, Wolverhampton; Croydon; Derbyshire; Kent; Lancashire; Oxfordshire; and West
Sussex. <br><br>These local authorities represent a wide demographic range as well
as major transport hubs and asylum screening units. These areas also have the highest
rates of trafficking referrals to the National Referral Mechanism or are areas where
we are aware of a high number of trafficking investigations by law enforcement agencies.<br><br>We
remain committed to trialing this approach. We are currently considering bids from
a number of voluntary and community services organisations that were identified as
potential providers of the advocacy service because of the particular expertise they
hold. We will announce the outcome of the process in due course.</p><p> </p>
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