Should parents be jailed or have benefits cut for kids’ crimes? VOTE NOW

Boy in hoodie climbing over the front gate of a private residential property in England. Cross processed and fine grain added. Related: Credit: Getty PARENTS could face time behind bars or lose benefits for their children’s crimes in a new crackdown, a government minister has said. Jake Richards said parents should be “held to account” and urged them to do more when it comes to keeping their children out of trouble. Parents could face time behind bars or lose benefits for their children’s crimes under new proposals Credit: Getty Justice minister Jake Richards said parents should be ‘held to account’ Credit: BBC The justice minister’s comments come after a government white paper published in May called on increasing the use of Parenting Orders. Parenting Orders can compel parents or guardians to attend counselling sessions or face penalties including fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to control their children’s behaviour. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! But ministers are considering proposals to increase the maximum fine, cutting benefits or even jailing parents in the most “extreme cases”. Mr Richards told The Times that it would form part of a new “carrot-and-stick approach” in a bid to crackdown on youth offenders. So, should parents be punished for their children’s crimes? Have your say in our exclusive poll and share your thoughts below for the chance to win a £100 voucher. Love to debate? Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month for the boldest opinion on the issues shaping Britain. Comment now