NewsStory

England and Wales consult on narrowing lifelong disclosure of childhood convictions

KROV newsroom

13 Nov 2026, 1:20 pm IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

Illustration of a closed records folder and an open doorway

The UK Ministry of Justice opened a consultation on 12 November on proposals to reduce the number of childhood convictions disclosed for life in England and Wales. The changes concern what appears on criminal record checks, including the more detailed checks used for sensitive roles.

One option would end lifelong disclosure on standard and enhanced checks for convictions outside a list of specified offences where a child received a custodial sentence of two years or less. The ministry proposes keeping lifelong disclosure for the most serious offences. It is also seeking views on reducing the time some childhood fines are disclosed.

Responses are due by 24 December. The ministry says any of the proposed changes would require legislation.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

Sources and credits

Credit: UK Ministry of Justice. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. · Summarised/translated by KROV · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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