Fraud Act 2006

This Bill was not mentioned in the Queen’s speech, but appeared in the background notes.

Although not mentioned in the Queen’s speech, the government will legislate to strengthen and modernise fraud laws, enabling authorities to act more effectively against high tech and commercial fraud crimes.

The Fraud Bill will cover three key areas laid out in the 2002 Law Commission report - false representation, failure to disclose information, and abuse of position – and will introduce new offences for obtaining services dishonestly and possessing equipment to commit fraud.

In light of recent events surrounding the Jubilee Line fraud case, the Bill will also seek to improve the prosecution process by safeguarding against dispute on technical points.

To further facilitate effective prosecution, the Bill will shift the legal focus to the intent of perpetrators, rather than the outcomes of fraudulent actions.

House of Lords

First reading: May 25 2005 (HL Bill 7)

Second reading: June 22 2005

Committee:

• 1st day: July 19 2005
• 2nd day: January 31 2006

Report stage: March 14 2006

Third reading: March 29 2006

House of Commons

First reading: March 29 2006 [HC Bill 166]

Second reading: June 12 2006

Standing Committee B:

• 1st sitting: June 20 2006 (am)
• 2nd sitting: June 20 2006 (pm)
• 3rd sitting: June 22 2006 (am)

Remaining stages: October 26 2006

House of Lords

Royal Assent: November 8 2006