Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Use of PAVA in public sector Young Offender Institutions in England

24 April 2025 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood

Crime & Law EnforcementJustice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Minister of Justice has authorised the use of PAVA in three public sector Young Offender Institutions for a 12-month period.
  • PAVA will be used only as a last resort by specially trained staff in these institutions.
  • Monthly ministerial reviews of data related to PAVA use will be conducted.

Issue summary

The Minister of Justice announces a decision to authorise the use of PAVA in three public sector Young Offender Institutions for staff trained and selected specifically for this purpose.

Action requested

PAVA will be authorised for use as a last resort by specially trained staff for a 12-month period, with close scrutiny and oversight. A live evaluation will review each incident involving PAVA, and there will be monthly ministerial reviews of data related to its use.

Key facts

  • Levels of violence in youth custody have increased by almost 25% compared to the previous year.
  • The rate of assaults on staff is around 14 times higher than that in adult prisons.
  • PAVA will be authorised for a specific group of trained staff in HMP & YOI Feltham A, HMYOI Werrington and HMYOI Wetherby for 12 months.
  • The Independent Restraint Review Panel will oversee every use of PAVA and report annually to ministers.
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