To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria were used to select organisations or local authorities to pilot the advocacy scheme for trafficked children; how that scheme was commissioned; when such schemes will start in which location and for what duration; and if she will make a statement.

The modern slavery Bill will enable us to strengthen our response to human trafficking and modern slavery for both adults and children. We announced in January our intention to trial specialist independent advocates for victims of child trafficking.

23 local authorities have agreed to participate in the trial: Greater Manchester including Manchester city, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Salford, Trafford; West Midlands including, Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton; Croydon; Derbyshire; Kent; Lancashire; Oxfordshire; and West Sussex.

These local authorities represent a wide demographic range as well as major transport hubs and asylum screening units. These areas also have the highest rates of trafficking referrals to the National Referral Mechanism or are areas where we are aware of a high number of trafficking investigations by law enforcement agencies.

We remain committed to trialling this approach. We are currently considering bids from a number of voluntary and community services organisations that were identified as potential providers of the advocacy service because of the particular expertise they hold. We will announce the outcome of the process in due course.