Scottish Government will set up a new advisory group to consider if the age of criminal responsibility should be raised to higher than 12 years old.

The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, seeks to raise the age at which a child in Scotland can be held responsible for a crime (currently from 8 years old) to 12 years old.

The new group (whose membership will include stakeholders and agencies working with children and young people, including members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs)) will consider whether the age should be raised further still, within 3 years of the bill becoming law.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd met with MSYPs to discuss the new group, and described the group as ensuring that any increase protects the interest of children, young people, victims and communities. She also stated that she is keen to ensure that the review benefits from the views and experiences of children and young people.

For further information, please visit the Scottish Government website.