Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reoffending Rates

Tuesday 16 September 2025 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed reoffending rates and the Clink Charity's success at reducing reoffending.
  • The Justice Secretary acknowledged the importance of housing for ex-offenders to prevent reoffending.
  • Government plans to work across departments to address housing challenges for ex-offenders.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marsha De Cordova Lab Battersea
Justice & Courts
Context

The Clink Charity operates within HMP Brixton, significantly reducing reoffending rates among its graduates who are 64% less likely to reoffend compared to others. The charity has been informed that it must compete in a commercial procurement process with large corporations, risking its unique position and impact.

Question

I welcome my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice and his new ministerial team to their roles. The Clink Charity at HMP Brixton has significantly reduced reoffending rates among its graduates who are 64% less likely to reoffend compared to others. However, it must now compete in a commercial procurement process with large corporations to continue operating there, risking its unique position and impact. Does the Minister agree that this is unfair, and can he reassure me that he will review the situation to ensure that procurement processes consider the excellent work already being achieved by organisations such as the Clink?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)

I am aware of the great work that the Clink does, as are the Justice Secretary and the Prisons Minister. We will be reviewing what has happened and is happening there in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to a specific review or timeline for ensuring procurement processes consider the work of charities like The Clink.

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Justice & Courts Housing
Context

Ex-offenders leaving prison often lack secure places to live, which can lead them back into a life of crime. Ensuring that they have stable housing upon release is crucial in reducing reoffending rates.

Question

One key way to reduce reoffending is ensuring ex-offenders leaving prison have secure places to live and are not tempted to go back to a life of crime. However, early release often does not prepare for this adequately. What action will the Minister take so that prison governors and those involved in the prison service ensure that ex-offenders go into secure accommodation once they leave prison?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)

The hon. Member raises an important point and challenge for the Probation Service as the Sentencing Bill comes to fruition. I was with the Justice Secretary just last week meeting probation staff. Housing is a big challenge, but we will work with colleagues from across Government to ensure that we are up to this challenge. The hon. Member makes a good point, and I will update the House in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to specific actions or timelines for ensuring ex-offenders have secure accommodation upon release.

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