ROBERT Halfon, MP for Harlow, has called on the Government to address a shocking loophole in safeguarding legislation, uncovered by a Harlow resident and CEO of The Safeguarding Alliance. The loophole potentially allows serious sex offenders and paedophiles to change their name by deed poll, from prison, for as little as £15 online, and slip under the authorities’ radar.

Robert Halfon recently met with Emily Konstantas, CEO of The Safeguarding Alliance, whose research into safeguarding and vetting processes, such as DBS checks, has revealed that thousands of sex offenders are able to change their name, secure official documentation and potentially evade vetting procedures.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, Robert has already written to the Government and committed to raising “this issue in the House of Commons Chamber at the next earliest opportunity”.

In his letter to the Justice Secretary and the Home Office, Rob Halfon has explained that:

“The process by which a convicted sex offender or criminal can change their name by deed poll is [far too] simple, inexpensive, unregulated and can be carried out from prison. The name-change forms make no provision that a sex offender must declare that they are a convicted criminal – it is an automatic right.”

Shockingly, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 also places the responsibility of reporting any name-change on the convicted sex offender or criminal, therefore, undermining its effectiveness and that of other safeguarding legislation, such as Sarah’s Law.

Writing for a political website, Robert Halfon MP explained that, under the current system: “We simply cannot ever know exactly how many children and vulnerable people are at risk.”

Robert Halfon MP has already written to the Justice Secretary and Home Office, urging immediate action to remove the automatic right of sex offenders to change their name, and recommends that they must make a formal application before a court.

He also calls for more collaboration between the prison services, courts, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and vetting agencies, to ensure that information about any name change by a sex offender or criminal is shared between the revelent bodies.

He highlights the importance of urgent intervention to protect our children and vulnerable people, writing:

“Time is of the essence, interim measures must be put in place by the Government to protect the safety and security of children and vulnerable people presently at risk.”

Commenting on the issue, Robert Halfon said: “I was horrified to discover that a convicted sex offender has a right to change their name by deed poll – a legal document that proves a change of name.

“Potentially, this could mean that previously convicted sex offenders may be working in an environment with children, young people and vulnerable adults, unbeknownst to new employers, parents or carers.

“This is deeply worrying and I am working closely with The Safeguarding Alliance to ensure that the law is changed to close this loophole.”

Emily Konstantas, a Harlow resident and CEO of The Safeguarding Alliance, said: “Due to the ease, access, and little financial burden of this process, offenders are becoming quite nonchalant to being arrested, as upon and prior to their release they can start afresh.

“This process is making a mockery of the current legal system and leaving those most vulnerable open to abuse.”