Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Home Office collects data on non-crime hate incidents; and if not, why not.

The Home Office does not collect data on non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs). The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on police forces.

This Government recognises concerns surrounding the recording of NCHIs. Accordingly, on 13 March, under provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, the Home Secretary laid the statutory Non-Crime Hate Incidents Draft Code of Practice on the Recording and Retention of Personal Data before Parliament.

The code will be subject to the affirmative procedure and introduces new safeguards to better protect personal data and the right to freedom of expression. Once in effect, the code will ensure that police only record NCHIs when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to do so, and not simply because someone is offended.