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<p>The Government is clear that exploitation through ‘sex for rent’ has no place in
our society. There are two offences in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 which can, and
have, been used to successfully prosecute this practice the section 52 offence of
causing or inciting prostitution for gain and the section 53 offence of controlling
prostitution for gain). In January 2021, the CPS authorised the first charge for ‘sex
for rent’ allegations under section 52. The individual against whom these allegations
were made pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting prostitution for gain earlier this
year.</p><p>Anyone making a report to the police would benefit from the anonymity
provisions within the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.</p><p>We recognise the
need to stamp out this abhorrent practice and support those at risk of exploitation.
We have already taken action around this to ensure prosecutors are clear on the law.
In 2019 the CPS amended their guidance on ‘Prostitution and Exploitation of Prostitution’
to include specific reference to the potential availability of charges for offences
under sections 52 and 53 for ‘sex for rent’ arrangements.</p><p>In addition, we recognise
the importance of preventing individuals being exploited through this practice. To
better protect tenants from rogue landlords who have been convicted of certain criminal
offences, we introduced banning orders through the Housing and Planning Act 2016 –
these orders prohibits named individuals from engaging in letting and property management
work.</p><p>We are committed to ensuring we have the right measures in place to tackle
this practice. As we made clear during the debate at Commons Consideration of Lords
amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, we will be launching
a consultation before summer recess on the issue of sex for rent, including the effectiveness
of existing legislation. This would provide a useful opportunity to work with the
police, CPS and others (including victims) to better understand this issue and the
effectiveness of the current law, the case for a bespoke offence and whether further
measures may be beneficial. It will also be important to ensure that any bespoke offence
worked with both the Online Safety Bill provisions and the existing prostitution offences.</p>
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