Petition · Home Office
Make Neglect in Public Office a Specific Criminal Offence
Closed
82 signatures
What the petition asks
Create a new criminal offence of Neglect in Public Office. We believe this would provide an improved means through which to hold public officials — including ministers, social workers, and civil servants — legally accountable if their actions or failures cause serious harm, trauma, or death.
We believe that many people have died, suffered abuse, or lost vital support because of what we feel is systemic neglect by public bodies. Yet we think that often, no one is held personally responsible. Victims deserve justice. We think there must be improved ways through which those in power can be held accountable if their failures destroy lives.
Timeline
| 12 Sep 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Mar 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
82
Status
Closed
Department
Home Office
Opened
12 Sep 2025
Closed
12 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Aug 2026.