Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prison Education Programmes

Tuesday 16 March 2021 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Education helps prisoners boost employability and contribute lawfully to society after release
  • Since April 2019, over 20 million has been invested in improving technology in prisons
  • Curriculum and neurodiversity specialists are being rolled out to drive prison education reform

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Justice & Courts Education
Context

The MP inquired about the lack of investment in prison education programmes over the years and questioned why the Government's promised prison education service is absent from the current Bill.

Question

What funding his Department has provided for technology to support prison education programmes. Despite previous commitments, there has been a dire lack of investment in recent years. Can he tell us why the promised prison education service is not included in the Bill?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Education helps prisoners to boost their employability, build their self-esteem, and make a law-abiding contribution to society post release. Since April 2019, we have invested more than £20 million in improving technology in prisons, including investing in infrastructure that will support educational delivery. We do not need to legislate for an enhanced prison education service; however, I am pleased to say that additional curriculum and neurodiversity specialists are being rolled out to drive reform.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation of why the promised prison education service is absent from the current Bill

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP questioned the Government's commitment to prison education programmes, noting previous promises that have not been fulfilled.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer. Prison education programmes can be hugely beneficial in terms of rehabilitation and preventing reoffending; future employability, life skills and literacy; or simply boosting self-esteem. However, despite the figures he mentioned, there has been a dire lack of investment over the years. Can he tell us why the Government's promised prison education service, which was in last year's sentencing White Paper and the Government's 2019 manifesto, is completely absent from the Bill that we will vote on later today?

Answer from Alex Chalk

We are absolutely committed to an enhanced prison education service, and I am pleased to say that additional curriculum and neurodiversity specialists are being rolled out in a prison near the hon. Lady's constituency to drive reform. We believe in education and are putting in resources every day.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation of why the promised prison education service is absent from the current Bill

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