Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Children Remanded in Custody

Tuesday 14 May 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed concerns over the high percentage of children on remand who do not receive custodial sentences.
  • The reduction in youth custodial numbers by 82% since 2010 was highlighted as positive progress.
  • Investment in exploring alternatives to youth custody, such as local authority accommodation, was noted.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marie Rimmer Lab St Helens South and Whiston
Justice & Courts Children & Families
Context

The question arises from concerns about the implications of remanding children to custody, particularly given that many do not receive custodial sentences. The MP highlights statistics showing a significant percentage of youth custody places are taken up by such cases.

Question

I am concerned about the number of children being remanded to custody and wonder what assessment has been made regarding its implications for policies considering 44% of youth custody places are occupied by those on remand who do not end up with a custodial sentence. I also raise concerns about high levels of violence in young offenders institutions where children spend most of their time locked up.

Answer from Alex Chalk

Custody is reserved for those convicted or accused of serious crimes, and the number of detained children has fallen by 82% since 2010. A child can only be remanded if it is very likely they will receive a custodial sentence; otherwise, local authority care should be considered.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about whether custody for children on remand who do not go on to receive a custodial sentence is appropriate was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Marie Rimmer Lab St Helens South and Whiston
Justice & Courts Children & Families
Context

Continuing from the first question, the MP questions the appropriateness of children being held in custody amidst high levels of violence and long periods of cell confinement.

Question

I note that 44% of places in youth custody are taken up by children on remand who do not go on to receive a custodial sentence. Additionally, children in young offenders institutions spend most time locked up amid high levels of violence. Is this the best place for adolescents?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The investment in a new secure school is commendable, and decisions to remand are made by independent judges. However, the reduction of overall youth custodial numbers by 82% since 2010 is highlighted as positive progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about whether custody for children on remand who do not go on to receive a custodial sentence is appropriate was not directly addressed.

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Q3 James Gray Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Concerns are raised about the Wade report's recommendation to reconsider the definition of children in sentencing, particularly around age thresholds where individuals are tried and sentenced.

Question

Will the Lord Chancellor consider one of the recommendations from the Wade report on sentencing for murder? It suggests reviewing the 'children' definition so that those close to their 18th birthday can be treated as more mature in sentencing if appropriate. Shouldn't crime seriousness, rather than age, determine this?

Answer from Alex Chalk

We have adjusted the sentencing regime so courts can take into account significant gaps between 17 and 18-year-old sentences. This allows more mature treatment in certain cases, potentially leading to a more severe punishment.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Justice & Courts Economy
Context

Concerns are raised about the high costs and inefficiencies associated with remanding children to custody, especially when many do not receive custodial sentences.

Question

Almost two thirds of children on remand in youth detention do not go on to receive a custodial sentence, 17% are acquitted. It costs between £129k-£306k per year to keep just one child on remand. Is this the best use of public money? Are there more efficient alternatives?

Answer from Alex Chalk

In 2010, over 3,000 children were in custody; now it's around 500. Judges must believe substantial grounds exist if a child is to be remanded. We are investing millions to explore alternatives like local authority accommodation for remand.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about whether the cost of keeping children on remand is the best use of public money was not directly addressed.

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