The Children (Performances) Regulations 1968 (Amendment) Bill

Former Children’s Minister, Tim Loughton, is promoting a change in the law to bring safeguards for children performing into the 21st Century.

Mr Loughton had worked on proposals to reform the 50 year-old rules while still in Government but was never able to convince the Education Secretary Michael Gove to include them in legislation.

He says, 'The current regulations are little changed from an era when there were only three terrestrial TV stations, reality TV shows and the likes of Britain’s Got Talent were a figment of the imagination and child protection measures were virtually non-existent.

'Updating and streamlining the legislation urgently is needed for two main reasons:

? It is a hugely bureaucratic and inefficient system which is deterring talented children from being able to ‘strut their stuff’ because of the time it takes to issue licences and the inconsistent practices between the local authorities who issue them. Children are missing out from working with amateur production companies in particular, hit by disproportionate and inappropriate regulations.

? The recent revelations over Jimmy Savile and other celebrities has reinforced the need to make sure that every organisation dealing with children and young people on a regular basis needs to have robust child protection practices fit for purpose in the 21st Century and, in particular, high quality chaperones able to look after children effectively.'

Mr Loughton hopes the Bill, which is expected to have its second reading on 1 March, will be incorporated into the Government's Children and Families Bill.

The Children (Performances) Regulations 1968 (Amendment) Bill