Lib Dems secure vital change to tackle 'Sex for Rent' crimes

Following a campaign by Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, started back in October, the Crown Prosecution Service has published new guidance on the prosecution of 'Sex for Rent' crimes. Responding to the victory, Wera Hobhouse said: "This is a huge step forward in protecting vulnerable people. The new guidelines should give police and prosecutors the tools they need to bring to justice these predatory landlords taking advantage of the housing crisis. "Sex for rent is a vile crime which has risen as more and more people struggle to afford to put a roof over their heads. The perpetrators are preying on incredibly vulnerable individuals and I am glad Ministers have listened and worked with me to ensure more is done to put an end to it. "Updating these guidelines is important not only to make clear that asking for sex in place of rent is illegal, but also to ensure police are more aware of this exploitation. I hope now to see more prosecutions of this crime, so that justice is done and we stamp out this vile practice once and for all."