Recommendations & Conclusions
7 items
2
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
We believe that a more formal and higher standard is required for outdoor music festivals owing to the comparatively younger age of festival-goers and the additional vulnerability that arises from their camping over at such festivals.
Government response. The government's response focused on improving data collection and victim support for spiking incidents, including establishing a new NPCC reporting mechanism, deflecting from the recommendation for a more formal and higher standard of safeguarding at outdoor music festivals.
Home Office
3
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
No-one knows how prevalent spiking is, whether by drink, drug or needle, and no-one knows what causes perpetrators to do it. Anecdotal evidence suggests the practice is widespread and dangerous, and that many people, particularly young, particularly women, are affected by it and are afraid they will be spiked on …
Government response. The government committed to bringing forward its deadline to 26 October for updating Parliament on whether it intends to introduce a specific criminal offence for spiking, but did not directly commit to gathering more accurate data on the prevalence and …
Home Office
9
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
There is strong support for increased security measures in night-time venues, but critical shortages in door security staff.
Government response. The government did not address the recommendation about increasing security measures or addressing door staff shortages, instead detailing the existing rapid urine testing service established by law enforcement and Eurofins.
Home Office
10
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
As part of its wider VAWG strategy, the Government should consider a support package for night-time industries to boost security measures including the recruitment and training of additional door security staff, particularly female staff.
Government response. The government did not address the recommendation for a support package for night-time industries to boost security and recruit staff, instead focusing on concerns about the efficacy of non-lab-based spiking test kits and existing forensic testing capabilities.
Home Office
11
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
We are concerned that the Government is not doing enough to monitor licensing authorities’ use of powers to regulate the night-time economy, both with specific regard to spiking incidents and more generally in relation to violence against women and girls. (Paragraph 59) Within three months the Government should: (i) collect …
Government response. The government did not address the recommendation to monitor licensing authorities' use of powers or to review section 182 guidance, instead stating it will consider research into the motivations of spiking offenders.
Home Office
12
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
We are pleased to learn there are many initiatives across the country to tackle spiking but are concerned that without a national strategy to ensure a consistent, wholesale approach, the current patchwork of initiatives may make those in parts of the country that have not yet taken action more vulnerable …
Government response. The government did not commit to a national strategy for a consistent approach to anti-spiking initiatives, but instead outlined preliminary discussions with police and legal bodies regarding factors inhibiting prosecutions, with outcomes to be included in a statutory report by …
Home Office
22
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Spiking
Deferred
To increase the deterrent effect of increased prosecutions, Government should devise a strategy to address each of the factors that inhibit prosecution from lack of reporting through to failure to collect forensic evidence. (Paragraph 103) 42 Spiking
Government response. The government recognises factors inhibiting spiking prosecutions and has begun discussions with police, CPS, and the Attorney General's office, with outcomes to be included in a statutory report by April 2023.
Home Office