Closed petition: Make Neglect in Public Office a Specific Criminal Offence

Closed on 12 March 2026

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.