Prison Places for Women 2021-05-26
2021-05-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from discussions on plans to increase the number of prison places for women, focusing on the potential impact on female prisoners' conditions and capacity.
What recent discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Justice on plans to increase the number of prison places for women?
Investing in the women's custodial estate will improve conditions for female prisoners through modern, gender-specific and trauma-informed design. It will further ensure capacity is in place to give effect to sentences imposed by the independent courts.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics on discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice about increasing prison places for women
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about mothers being imprisoned for minor offences, highlighting the detrimental effects on children's wellbeing. It questions why the Government is proposing £150 million for new female prison places despite their own pledge to reduce the number of women in prison.
When mothers are imprisoned for minor offences, the separation and loss for the child are detrimental to their wellbeing. The charity Women in Prison tells us that the most effective way to tackle the causes of crime and to prevent women from reoffending is to invest in women's centres. Given that the Government's own female offender strategy pledges to reduce the number of women in prison, why are they proposing to invest £150 million on new female prison places, and what representation has the Minister made to recommit to reducing the number of women in prison?
It is important that we continue to invest in women's centres in the community, and that is exactly what we are doing. For the very reason that the hon. Lady makes about keeping relationships with the family, part of the money that she refers to will go to providing accommodation so that individuals can make family visits to those women sentenced to custody, to keep those relationships going. Prisons need to be a place of security, but they must also be a place of humanity, rehabilitation and hope, and that is what we are investing in.
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Assessment & feedback
Explanation for the £150 million investment in new female prison places despite reducing incarceration rates pledge
Response accuracy