Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prisoner Rehabilitation

Tuesday 10 December 2024 · 3 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers are expanding the transitional accommodation service to help prisoners find secure housing upon release.
  • The government is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to develop a long-term strategy to address homelessness.
  • Employment hubs are available in all resettlement prisons to support prisoners in finding jobs and reducing reoffending.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Justice & Courts Housing
Context

There are concerns about the readiness of prisoners for life after release, including securing accommodation and employment.

Question

What steps she is taking to help ensure that prisoners are prepared for life outside of prison before they are released. One of the main issues for released prisoners is finding a secure home, so that they can have somewhere secure to live rather than going back to the place where they were probably involved in gangs or with particular individuals.

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

We know that accommodation is key to reducing reoffending. That is why we are expanding our transitional accommodation service and working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to develop a long-term strategy to put us back on track to ending homelessness.

Answered
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Q2 Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
Justice & Courts
Context

The UK faces a significant labour shortage costing billions annually, with ex-prisoners often lacking employment prospects, leading to recidivism.

Question

Does the Minister agree that failing to tackle the issue of prisoner literacy and numeracy skills will not only cause lifelong challenges for individuals but also create significant problems for the state, including lost opportunities and increased crime?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

I agree with my hon. Friend. We know that having a job and a home are the best ways to reduce reoffending. That is why we have employment hubs in all resettlement prisons, where prisoners can access job vacancies and support with their applications.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not directly address enhancing prisoner literacy and numeracy skills or specific vocational training programs.

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Justice & Courts Housing
Context

There is a concern that released prisoners may return to environments associated with crime, increasing the risk of reoffending.

Question

Now that prisoners are being released from their sentences early, what action is the Minister taking to ensure that they are fully prepared for life outside prison and there is no risk that they will reoffend?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

We know that accommodation is key to reducing reoffending. That is why we are expanding our transitional accommodation service and working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to develop a long-term strategy to put us back on track to ending homelessness.

Answered
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