Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reducing Reoffending

Tuesday 3 November 2020 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 8 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • 20 million will be invested in the prison leavers project to test new solutions for reducing reoffending.
  • Organisations like the Gelder Group, which provides training to prisoners, are considered transformative for successful reintegration.
  • Prison education reduces reoffending by 7.5%, and a new prisoner education service focused on work-based training is planned.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Virginia Crosbie
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP is concerned about the high rates of reoffending among released prisoners.

Question

What steps are being taken to reduce reoffending, given that it remains a significant issue?

Answer from Robert Buckland

£20 million will be invested in the prison leavers project to test new solutions. New prisons will have rehabilitation at their heart, and a programme for 10,000 additional places plus two new jails at Wellingborough and Glen Parva is underway.

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Q2 Karl McCartney Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP highlights the importance of rehabilitation programs such as those run by the Gelder Group at HMP Lincoln.

Question

Does the Minister agree that working with organisations like the Gelder Group, which provides meaningful training to prisoners, is crucial for their successful reintegration into society?

Answer from Robert Buckland

The work of organisations such as the Gelder Group in delivering training to prisoners is transformative. Training and work help serving prisoners and those released, requiring a cross-government approach.

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Q3 Stephen Hammond Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP questions the effectiveness and integrity of certain rehabilitation schemes, using the Nottingham Knockers scheme as an example.

Question

Will the investment in the prison leavers scheme ensure that ex-prisoners receive effective training to reduce reoffending rates?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Specialist support is crucial for rehabilitation. Nottingham Knockers-type activities are not part of recognised rehabilitative schemes, and authorised schemes will receive over £100 million annually.

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Q4 Tom Hunt
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The MP is concerned about social media usage by prisoners, which can lead to reoffending.

Question

Will the Lord Chancellor commit to robustly punishing those who misuse social media from within prison and consider increasing sentences for such behavior?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Prisoners who break the rules by using social media should face consequences. The internal adjudication system allows removal of privileges, stoppage of earnings, confinement to cell, and serious breaches can be referred to police.

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Q5 Jack Lopresti Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP emphasizes the importance of prison education in reducing reoffending rates.

Question

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that prison education is crucial for reducing reoffending?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Prison education reduces reoffending by 7.5%. We plan to create a prisoner education service focused on work-based training and skills, and build partnerships between prisons and employers to ensure job readiness upon release.

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Q6 Shaun Bailey
Crime & Law Enforcement Mental Health
Context

The MP highlights the high reoffending rates in the Black Country and suggests a local stakeholder approach.

Question

What work is being done with local stakeholders in the Black Country to reduce reoffending, and will there be a meeting to discuss long-term strategies?

Answer from Robert Buckland

The community sentence treatment requirement programme aims to improve access to appropriate mental health and substance misuse services as part of community sentences. Willing to meet the MP to discuss relevant issues in West Bromwich.

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Q7 Scott Benton
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts Employment
Context

The MP inquires about the assessment made regarding the impact of reducing rehabilitation periods.

Question

What is the likely impact of reducing rehabilitation periods on reoffending rates?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Reducing disclosure times for most jobs improves employment prospects, supports individuals, and protects the public by decreasing reoffending likelihood. Regular pay cheques are key crime-fighting tools.

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Q8 Virginia Crosbie
Justice & Courts NHS
Context

Jackie Blackwell, the CEO of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Anglesey-Ynys Môn, provides support to offenders transitioning out of prison. The question addresses the Lord Chancellor's support for charities like Fine Cell Work and the Irene Taylor Trust, as well as Jackie Blackwell's team.

Question

In my constituency, Jackie Blackwell, the CEO of the Citizens Advice Bureau, supports offenders and their families during their transition from prison. How is the Lord Chancellor supporting charities such as Fine Cell Work and the Irene Taylor Trust, and Jackie and her team in this important work?

Answer from Robert Buckland

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her passionate work in this area and her advocacy on behalf of the people of Anglesey-Ynys Môn. I recognise the value that organisations such as the ones she mentions can bring to supporting offenders and families through a challenging time. Our grants programme supports the piloting of new rehabilitation services and the further development of current programmes. Ynys Môn's Citizens Advice Bureau and the Irene Taylor Trust have both benefited from our grants programme, and I look forward to seeing the contributions they make to supporting prison leavers as they transition towards a new life.

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