Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies of the Women in Prison’s report on the Value of Women’s Centres which noted that investing in Women's Centres could generate a nearly triple return on investment; and if his Department would contribute to a cross-departmental fund for such an investment.

The Government appreciates the important role women’s centres play in supporting women in the community with complex needs, including supporting ex-offenders to address the underlying causes of their behaviour, as set out in this report.

The benefits of work for ex-offenders are far reaching and that is why DWP already invests significant funding for over 200 prison Work Coaches who provide employment and benefit support in prisons. Our extensive network of Jobcentre Work Coaches also provide tailored employment support to ex-offenders in the community.

The Ministry of Justice is investing up to £24 million in women’s community services that aim to both support the sector in delivering vital services and to promote better local integration in how those services are delivered. The effectiveness of their funding for women’s community services will be evaluated and inform future funding decisions across Government.