Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Female Offender Strategy

Tuesday 3 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The female offenders strategy launched two years ago and recognises a different approach to female offenders.
  • Initial funding of 5.1 million was invested in 30 women's services across England and Wales.
  • Steps are being considered to provide virtual access for women in prison to see their children during the second lockdown.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The female offenders strategy has been in place for two years, aiming to address the unique needs of women in the criminal justice system. The question addresses progress on this initiative.

Question

What progress he has made on the implementation of the female offender strategy?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

The female offenders strategy launched two years ago recognises a different approach to female offenders, and we are making good progress. We initially invested £5.1 million in funding to 30 women's services across England and Wales, and we are currently in the process of allocating a further £2.5 million for this year to improve women's centres' financial viability.

Answered
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Q2 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Justice & Courts Mental Health
Context

The number of women in prison has increased by over 2,200 compared to 25 years ago, with 82% being sentenced for non-violent offences. This question addresses the impact of a second lockdown and steps taken for virtual family contact.

Question

There are over 2,200 more women in prison compared with 25 years ago, and 82% have been sentenced for non-violent offences. A second lockdown will hit them hard, so can the Minister confirm what steps are being taken to give women in prison virtual access to their children? How many pregnant women are currently in custody? How many women have been released as part of the early release scheme?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We are very conscious of the impact of lockdown on our female estate, and we will be looking very carefully, as we look at the new framework for the new provisions on Thursday, at how we can in particular protect women in the female estate, recognising the significant mental health issues they face. We are very conscious of the need to ensure family contact, and all our female estate have access to virtual calls. The hon. Member is aware, I hope, of our recent mother and baby unit review in relation to operations to look after pregnant women and women with young children on the estate. That is currently in a consultation phase.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The number of pregnant women in custody and those released under early release schemes was not addressed.

How: We Are Very Conscious Of The Impact Of Lockdown

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