Smacking Consultation

The Government has announced a review of the law on the physical chastisement of children by parents. The proposals are supported by Al Aynsley Green, the Children's Commissioner for England and Wales. In a written statement on 15 June, Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said that parents and professionals would be consulted this summer over how the present rules were working. Ms Hughes said the review of s 58 of the Children Act 2004, which contains the 'reasonable punishment' test, would begin immediately. A report will be published in the autumn.