Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to help reduce rates of prisoner reoffending.

This Government is committed to keeping the public safe and reducing reoffending by ensuring that all offenders have the tools they need to turn their backs on crime.

We know that offenders can have a range of needs, which often drive offending behaviour. Therefore, prisons and probation must provide the opportunity for rehabilitation. That is why we are focusing our efforts on supporting offenders to address any health and wellbeing issues; raise their levels of educational attainment and skills; get a job; and rebuild or reinforce their relationships.

A concerted cross-government effort is required to address reoffending. We recently announced a National Partnership Agreement with the DWP, which sets out how the departments will jointly drive rehabilitation and reduce reoffending. We also continue to work closely with our health and justice partners, and are collaborating with MHCLG and local authorities on our offender accommodation pilots.

In addition, we are making positive progress in implementing the recommendations set out by Lord Farmer in his report on strengthening prisoners’ family ties.