Yorkshire MP's Bill to help families of missing people becomes law

Peter Lawrence, whose daughter Claudia went missing in 2009, said the new Bill will go a significant way toward easing the "emotional pain" on hundreds of families across the country.

The legislation, which was originally introduced by the Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, enables the relatives of missing people to take temporary control of their finances.

It passed its final stages in the House of Lords today and is expected to receive Royal Assent later today.

Responding to the news, Mr Lawrence, who has been campaigning on the issue for many years, said he was "delighted".

"The 2,500 families who have been waiting for this legislation may rest assured that they will soon have the ability to look after the financial and practical affairs of their missing loved one," he said.

"This will in itself lessen the emotional pain."

Until now, families of missing people have had no legal right to access their loved one’s financial affairs, including bills, mortgage payments or direct debits.

This can result in a build up of debt – both on the part of the missing person and their relatives – as well as a loss of property.

The new Bill – dubbed Claudia’s Law after Mr Lawrence’s daughter – aims to tackle this risk by allowing third parties to apply for guardianship of assets for up to four years.

Missing People spokesman Susannah Drury said this will not only lessen the strain on families but also ensure "that a missing person who returns will not find their legal and financial affairs in disarray".

"We would like to thank those who have been instrumental throughout this process, especially Clifford Chance who have provided pro-bono legal advice, and every Parliamentarian and most importantly, the family members who has have worked with us throughout this campaign," she said.

Mr Hollinrake added that he hoped it will "help many thousands of people when they need it most".

"This really was a team effort and I am very grateful to everyone involved," he said.