The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026) makes a major reform to time limits for civil child sexual abuse claims in England and Wales, implementing recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 abolishes the three‑year limitation period entirely for civil claims arising from child sexual abuse by inserting new sections 11ZA and 11ZB into the Limitation Act 1980.

As a result:

• There is no fixed time limit for bringing a civil personal injury claim for child sexual abuse.
• Survivors can bring claims many years or decades later, without being statute‑barred.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 also reverses the burden of proof in terms of a “fair trial” . Previously the claimant had to prove that, despite the passage of time, the claim could still be fairly tried. The Act reverses that burden, meaning that it is now for the defendant to show that a fair trial is not possible.

These changes are widely regarded as one of the most significant reforms to civil redress for child sexual abuse in England and Wales in decades.

The limitation provisions for child sexual abuse claims do not commence automatically on Royal Assent. The earliest lawful commencement date for the limitation reforms would be 29 June 2026. However, that date will only apply if commencement regulations are made appointing it.

Further updates will follow.