Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Female Offender Strategy

Tuesday 8 December 2020 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We have invested over 5 million in 30 women's services across England and Wales, and are allocating a further 2.5 million to increase the financial stability of those providing these important services.
  • We are reviewing Mental Health Act 1983 provisions and recognise the need to tackle mental health issues in those who come through the justice system, particularly women.
  • We are progressing with the first residential women's centre in Wales, funded by 2.5 million, which will better look after women on the cusp of custody who should not be incarcerated.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tony Lloyd Lab
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The female offender strategy was launched two years ago to improve outcomes for female offenders and make society safer. It aims at tackling the causes of offending.

Question

What progress has been made on implementing the female offender strategy, which aims at improving outcomes for female offenders and making society safer by addressing the root causes of offending?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We have invested over £5 million in 30 women's services across England and Wales, and we are allocating a further £2.5 million to increase the financial stability of those providing these important services.

Answered
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Q2 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Justice & Courts Mental Health
Context

The Bail Act 1976 allows the courts to remand an adult to prison for their own protection or a child for their welfare, even if the charge cannot lead to conviction. This often involves individuals with complex mental health needs.

Question

Will the Minister support the repeal of the power under the Bail Act 1976 that allows for remanding adults and children to prison despite no risk of conviction, as it restricts liberty due to failures in community provision?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We are reviewing Mental Health Act 1983 provisions and recognise the need to tackle mental health issues in those who come through the justice system, particularly women. We will commit further funds to ensure that women get the services they need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: repealing power under the Bail Act 1976

How: Looking At The Mental Health Act Provisions, Reviewing Them

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Q3 Tony Lloyd Lab
Justice & Courts Wales Women & Equalities
Context

Most women sentenced for non-violent crimes receive short prison sentences, which are ineffective for rehabilitation but can lead to family breakdowns, children entering care, and eviction. Women's centres are effective and cost-efficient.

Question

Can the Minister guarantee enhanced investment in successful women's centres that provide better outcomes than imprisonment? These centres ensure women who should not be incarcerated receive proper care.

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We are progressing with the first residential women's centre in Wales, funded by £2.5 million, which will better look after women on the cusp of custody who should not be incarcerated.

Answered
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Q4 Lyn Brown Lab
Justice & Courts
Context

The female offenders strategy from 2018 acknowledged that short-term prison sentences do more harm than good, yet half of all women's sentences last year were for less than three months. The plan is to increase the women's population by 40%.

Question

Why have these Ministers abandoned promises made by their predecessors regarding female offenders, given that most sentences are short and will likely lead to an increased prison population?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We refute any claim of policy change. We are ensuring that when people come through on short sentences, they will have specific probation officers looking after them in the new reformed probation system to ensure support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: abandoning promises made by predecessors regarding female offenders

How: Refute Claim Of Policy Change, Ensure Specific Probation Officers

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