Please consider our Freedom of Information request regarding the investigations into the illegal treatment of under 18s with botulinum toxin and dermal filler procedures.

We hugely welcomed the Government’s introduction of the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act in 2021, which makes it a criminal offence to make arrangements, book an appointment or administer botulinum toxin or fillers to anyone under 18.

Unfortunately, as a recent investigation by The City of Wolverhampton Council has shown, businesses are still offering consultations to children and are not requesting ID. This exposes those aged under 18 to unnecessary risk of serious complications such as infection, while also potentially perpetuating poor body image and placing undue pressure on those who do not need these treatments.

It is our understanding that in the 2022-2023 financial year, under the DHSC guidance, the Government determined that it would pay grants totalling £1,456,699 to local authorities across England to support them with expenditure lawfully incurred as a result of the Act.

While the publication of Wolverhampton’s investigation has informed us that one local authority is using the available funds and taking action, we would like to know if any others have done the same. We are therefore requesting freedom of information on:

1. How many out of the 152 local authorities awarded grants have conducted investigations into the illegal treatment of under 18s with botulinum toxin and dermal filler procedures
The service reacts to complaints received, and based on any intelligence gathered, will contact premises alleged to be non-compliant with the Act. The service has also recently carried out phone call test purchasing as part of its approach to providing business support. Non-compliant premises are followed up accordingly.

2. How much of the grants each of the 152 local authorities have spent carrying out the investigations
This is not recorded in a way that allows officer time to be separated out. All grant funding is spent to support officer resources to conduct the above, as well as time spent on familiarisation of the Act and associated guidance. This also includes resources tasked with providing advice and communication work promoting responsible business activity in this field.

This information will support us in raising awareness of the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act amongst the aesthetics community, while reminding them of their responsibility to comply with the law and put children’s safety first.