Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has made an assessment of the level of unmet need for specialist programmes to address sexual offending for men convicted of sexual violence who are serving sentences in prison; and if he will make a statement.

We are absolutely committed to reducing reoffending and addressing the needs of those individuals convicted of a sexual offence.

A range of accredited programmes are available in custody for men who have been convicted of a sexual offence. Individual suitability for each of these programmes depends on the risk, need and responsivity of the individual. This is assessed locally in each establishment and individuals assessed as suitable and ready to engage with the programmes. Places are prioritised according to the individual’s tariff expiry or release date.

We continue to make every effort to maintain investment in sex offender treatment programmes and commission against offender need. Adjustments to the volume and type of sex offender treatment programmes delivered are agreed (between providers and commissioners) where evidence indicates a change in need.