§ 11. Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources have been allocated to police forces to bring prosecutions for internet grooming under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. [162529]
§ Paul GogginsThe grooming offence in section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 will enable the authorities to intervene before the sexual abuse of a child takes place.
Between 2000–01 and 2004–05 the policing provision for England and Wales increased by £2.3 billion. While child protection is a priority within the National Policing Plan it is for the police themselves to decide how this additional money is allocated.