Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of (a) the availability and (b) the suitability of supported accommodation for female prisoners on release.

We have interpreted “supported accommodation” as referring to Approved Premises, which provide residential accommodation in the community for female offenders who pose a medium risk of harm, as well as having complex resettlement needs.

We are conducting a review into Approved Premises capacity for women, to ensure there is provision for women where it is needed. We are seeking to identify suitable provision for women in London and Wales, where we recognise that need is pressing.