Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Tuesday 10 September 2024 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial focus on reducing reoffending due to high costs to taxpayers and communities.
  • Plans to increase prison capacity and provide more purposeful activities to reduce reoffending.
  • Training and education are crucial for successful prisoner rehabilitation and preventing reoffending.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question pertains to the issue of high reoffending rates, which account for nearly 80% of all criminal activities.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help reduce levels of reoffending. I am concerned about the significant cost of reoffending to taxpayers and communities.

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

We will focus on reducing reoffending. The Lord Chancellor has inherited a difficult situation with prison capacity, making it harder to address rehabilitation needs. However, we are committed to this issue and will work diligently to reduce reoffending rates.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and commitments not provided

How: We Will Focus On Reducing Reoffending, Committed To This Issue

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Q2 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Justice & Courts
Context

There is a lack of prison capacity leading to prisoners being locked up in their cells for long periods, hindering the provision of education and training.

Question

The Minister stated that some people are locked up in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day due to insufficient prison capacity. How does he plan to address this issue while we still have a bulging prison population? The House should know how he will increase the provision of purposeful activities such as education and training.

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

We are taking decisions to create space in the Prison Service. We will work with the Inspectorate of Prisons on providing sufficient purposeful activities, recognising that education and employment reduce reoffending significantly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans not provided

How: We Are Taking Decisions To Create Space

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Q3 Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton
Justice & Courts
Context

The chief inspector reported that prisoners often spend up to 22 hours a day in their cells, with classrooms and workshops empty due to insufficient purposeful activities.

Question

Prisoners can be locked up for up to 22 hours daily, leaving rooms empty. Does the Secretary of State agree it's time for a workable plan to improve rehabilitation, considering education is key to reducing reoffending?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

I fully support the hon. Member's view that training and education are crucial for successful rehabilitation, which helps prevent reoffending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan not provided

How: I Fully Support

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Q4 Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Literacy is crucial for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society, with education fostering personal growth and self-esteem.

Question

Addressing literacy in UK prisons is vital. Improved skills empower inmates, aiding their reintegration and reducing crime rates. What comprehensive strategies are being implemented to address this?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

Literacy and numeracy are crucial, as seen in HMP Humber where best practices are in place. We will continue to learn from such examples and implement necessary improvements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific strategies not provided

How: We Will Continue To Learn

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Q5 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

A recent paper by former Lord Chief Justices calls for a review of sentencing policies to address inflation in sentences.

Question

Our manifesto promised a review of sentencing policy, which is crucial. When will this take place? Will the Government consider the recent paper on sentencing inflation?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

The Government are committed to reviewing sentencing policies as soon as possible. The recent paper by former Lord Chief Justices is significant, and I urge Members to read it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeframe not provided

How: As Soon As Possible

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