Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reoffending

Tuesday 20 February 2024 · 6 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Since 2010, crime and reoffending rates have fallen, with the overall proven rate of reoffending down to 25% in 2021-22.
  • The Justice Secretary highlighted investments of 100 million in prison security, including X-ray scanners to tackle contraband mobile phones.
  • The government has introduced resettlement passports for prisoners to help access essential services post-release.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Fell
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP inquired about steps taken to lower reoffending rates among individuals leaving prison.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce rates of reoffending by people released from prison.

Answer from Alex Chalk

Since 2010, crime has fallen and so has reoffending, with the overall proven rate of reoffending down from over 31% in 2011-12 to 25% in 2021-22. We have gone further, building up initiatives including a new prison education service, expanded access to incentivised substance-free living wings for drug recovery, and the groundbreaking guarantee of 12 weeks' post-release accommodation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or commitments going forward beyond past accomplishments.

How: Hedging Language, Referencing Previous Work

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Q2 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Justice & Courts
Context

With the reoffending rate at over 25%, rising to nearly 50% for burglary, reoffending is costing the country £18 billion a year. The service is failing to keep people safe.

Question

Will the Justice Secretary back Operation Protect and ensure there is a comprehensive workforce plan to recruit, retain and return staff needed to prevent reoffending?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The baseline is up by £155 million, and we have added 4,000 trainees since 2020. Since the reunification of probation services, the number has risen by 17%. Probation officers keep society safe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address the request for backing Operation Protect or providing a comprehensive workforce plan.

How: Hedging Language, Referencing Previous Work

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Q3 Paul Howell
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

Concern was raised about the ease of using social media in prisons and its implications for rehabilitation and deterrence.

Question

What consequences were suffered by an individual inmate who sent posts allegedly related to a murder, and why is he wearing designer clothes and leading a cushy life?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The use of social media in prisons is not acceptable; content was removed. We are investing £100 million in prison security, including X-ray scanners to tackle contraband mobile phones. Inmates can face loss of privileges and more time in custody.

Answered
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Q4 Simon Fell
Justice & Courts
Context

An Act was passed to limit Friday releases for vulnerable prisoners, and the charity Switchback suggested that people should leave prison with access to ID and an internet-enabled mobile phone.

Question

What consideration has been given to those suggestions?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The changes for which he called came into force last November. Resettlement passports contain basic information such as name, date of birth, national insurance number and release date to help prisoners access essential services.

Answered
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Q5 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

Prison conditions are described as being cold, with prisoners having to choose between work, social time, and showering. The food is lacking in basic nutrition.

Question

Do the Secretary of State agree that such conditions are not conducive to rehabilitation?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Conditions must be safe, decent and humane—austere but humane. The hon. Gentleman will visit the Scrubs with the Prisons Minister to explore these matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not give a clear stance on whether conditions are conducive to rehabilitation beyond agreeing they must be humane.

How: Hedging Language, Referencing Future Visits

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Q6 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Justice & Courts NHS Employment
Context

The reoffending rate continues to rise, posing a concern for the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures in place.

Question

We need to tackle the revolving door of reoffending in our justice system. The lack of secure housing, adequate healthcare, education, job training and support means that prisoners are being left to fail after they are released, leading to victims suffering from ex-prisoners' reoffending. Can the Secretary of State announce when the Government expect the reoffending rate to go down?

Answer from Alex Chalk

It is important to note that reoffending is down compared with under the last Labour Government, from around 31% in 2010 to 25% now. The government has provided 12 weeks' guaranteed accommodation for ex-prisoners which did not happen under a Labour Government. This measure has been praised by probation officers as the single most effective means of driving down reoffending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment to reduce the reoffending rate further.

How: Disputing Labour'S Record On Reducing Reoffending

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