Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a presumption against the use of custodial sentences of less than six months for non-violent crimes; and if he will make a statement.

There is persuasive evidence showing that short custodial sentences do not work in terms of rehabilitation and helping some offenders turn their backs on crime. Community sentences, in certain circumstances, are more effective in reducing reoffending, and therefore keeping the public safe. Unless we tackle the underlying causes of offending, we cannot protect the public from being victims of crime.

There is therefore a case to abolish sentences of six months or less, with some exceptions. We are currently exploring options, including looking at the introduction of a presumption. At this stage we have not reached any conclusions.

However, we must ensure the public and judiciary have confidence in effective community orders, including those which address offenders’ behaviour, answer their mental health and alcohol or drug misuse needs, or provide reparation for the benefit of the wider community.