Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Early Release Scheme

Tuesday 5 November 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

  • The early release scheme was implemented to prevent prison overcrowding and maintain law and order.
  • Reducing reoffending is seen as a key strategy for cutting crime and aiding ex-prisoners in rehabilitation.
  • Serco's tagging performance has improved, with 98% of tranche 2 SDS40 release visits for tag installation completed as of 28 October.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Susan Murray Lib Dem Mid Dunbartonshire
Justice & Courts
Context

No specific incident or context was provided other than the general need to assess the short-term emergency measure.

Question

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the early release scheme?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

The immediate purpose was to stop us running out of prison places and avert a total breakdown of law and order. We have managed to avert the crisis with short-term measures but also set out a long-term plan for building prison places. A landmark sentencing review has been launched so emergency releases are never needed again.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Long-term impacts and specific measures taken were not detailed.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Susan Murray Lib Dem Mid Dunbartonshire
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The community justice team in Mid Dunbartonshire is having success in preventing reoffending by working with offenders trauma-informed way.

Question

Does the Minister agree that reducing reoffending is central to cutting crime, job losses, family breakdowns and homelessness? This aligns with the success of a community justice team using a trauma-informed approach.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Reducing reoffending is clear, given that 80% of offenders are reoffenders. Cutting reoffending is a strategy for cutting crime, keeping the public safe, and helping ex-prisoners turn their lives around. The sentencing review will look carefully at short sentences.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific agreement or commitment was not stated directly.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Justice & Courts
Context

Concerns were raised last month about offenders who have been released early not being promptly tagged.

Question

Can the Government now provide concrete assurance to the House and public that all offenders are being tagged as they should on release?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

After daily monitoring, Serco's performance on tagging has significantly improved. As of 28 October, 98% of tranche 2 SDS40 release visits to install tags had been completed; prearranged alternative fittings are also scheduled.

Answered
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Q4 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Concerns about the effectiveness of tagging in protecting public safety if curfews are breached.

Question

Can the Secretary of State tell us whether there have been any breaches of tag-monitored curfews? On average, how quickly are those who commit a breach brought back into custody?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Recall rates for SDS40 releases track similarly with other offenders. Statistics will be published once assured, expected immediately after Christmas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics about recall rates and timing were not fully detailed.

How: To Be Reviewed

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