Child abuse claim time limits to be abolished from June

New legislation removing the time limit for survivors of child sexual abuse to bring compensation claims will come into force on 29 June 2026.

The change follows the passing of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29 April. Section 96 of the Act abolishes the existing three-year limitation period, which has long been criticised for preventing many survivors from seeking justice.

Under the new law, survivors will be able to pursue civil claims regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. Defendants will instead have to prove that a fair trial is no longer possible if they wish to challenge a case on timing grounds.

Hilary Meredith Solicitors has welcomed the reform, describing it as a significant and long-overdue step forward for survivors.

Dianne Yates, Director at Hilary Meredith Solicitors, said:

“This is a hugely important and welcome change. For many survivors, it can take years - and often decades - before they feel able to speak about the abuse they suffered or seek legal advice.

“The previous time limit created an unfair barrier to justice for many vulnerable people. Removing it recognises the lasting impact that abuse can have and will allow survivors to come forward when they feel ready, rather than within an arbitrary legal deadline.”

The reform follows recommendations made by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in its final report published in October 2022, which found that limitation laws failed to reflect the realities faced by survivors of abuse.