Introduction of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill

Following sustained advocacy efforts over several decades, the Government has introduced the Public Office (Accountability) Bill—commonly referred to as the Hillsborough Law. This legislation establishes new statutory obligations for public officials and authorities, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness in the aftermath of public disasters and institutional failures.

The Bill draws on lessons from incidents such as Hillsborough, Orgreave, Windrush, the infected blood scandal, and Grenfell. Its provisions are designed to address systemic issues related to information disclosure, legal representation, and public trust in official processes.

• Duty of Candour: A new legal and professional requirement for public officials to act with honesty and integrity. Serious breaches may result in criminal sanctions.
• Legal Aid Reform: The Bill introduces the most significant expansion of legal aid in over a decade, providing non-means-tested support for bereaved families during inquests.
• Offence of Misleading the Public: A new criminal offence will apply to individuals who deliberately mislead the public in a manner deemed seriously improper, reinforcing the principle of public service accountability.

These measures are intended to prevent recurrence of past failures and ensure that future responses to public tragedies are conducted with greater openness and fairness.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to introducing the Hillsborough Law, referencing prior engagements with campaigners and affected families. He acknowledged the enduring impact of the Hillsborough disaster and stated that the legislation seeks to rebalance the relationship between the state and the public.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized the Bill’s role in preventing prolonged legal and procedural challenges for bereaved families. He noted that the reforms aim to ensure equitable treatment during inquests and to deter concealment of information by public bodies.

Minister for Victims Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the collaborative efforts with campaigners and reiterated the Government’s intention to reduce barriers to justice for future victims and their families.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds described the duty of candour as a cultural shift, requiring public authorities to acknowledge errors and take responsibility for institutional shortcomings.

• Public bodies will be required to ensure legal expenditure at inquests is proportionate, preventing imbalances in representation.
• New guidance will clarify expectations for state conduct during inquests, with a focus on assisting coroners in establishing factual accounts.

Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram described the Bill as a significant development in public accountability and legal reform, noting its potential relevance to other cases of institutional failure beyond Hillsborough.