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Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill - Sitting 1

08 February 2023

Proposing MP
Martin Vickers Con
Brigg and Immingham
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill, which aims to modify release dates for offenders to improve reintegration into society and reduce reoffending rates. The statement discusses the Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill, which aims to improve the release process for offenders by ensuring organised releases mid-week instead of on Fridays. The statement discusses the Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill which aims to improve access to services for released offenders.

Action Requested

Clause 1 provides the Secretary of State with discretion to bring forward release dates by up to two eligible working days, while Clauses 2 and 3 address specific exemptions and confirm the Bill's title. The MP highlights that about one in three offenders is currently released on a Friday, which poses significant challenges for accessing support services.

Key Facts

  • Clause 1 gives discretion to bring forward release dates by up to two eligible working days.
  • Clause 2 excludes offenders convicted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
  • The Bill applies to both adults and children sentenced to detention.
  • One in three offenders is released on a Friday under current policy.
  • About 80% of crimes committed by reoffenders cost taxpayers £18 billion annually.
  • Offenders without stable accommodation are almost 50% more likely to reoffend.
  • Adult offenders released on a Friday from sentences under 12 months have a 14.8% rate of reoffending within two weeks compared to 13% for those released mid-week.
  • Approximately 40% of adult prisoners were released to insecure or unknown accommodation in 2018-19.
  • The estimated economic and social cost of reoffending in the UK is £18.1 billion a year.
  • The Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill aims to ensure offenders are not released on Fridays or before bank holidays.
  • Since 2009-10, reoffending rates have decreased from 30.9% to 25.6%.
  • The Government is increasing access to accommodation and building stronger links with employers for prison leavers.
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