Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce reoffending among hyper-prolific offenders.

We know that prolific offenders represent nearly 10% of offenders but account for just over 50% of all sentences. That clearly cannot continue, which is why David Gauke was asked to look at this issue in the independent sentencing review, to ensure we have fewer crimes committed by prolific criminals.

Prolific offenders often have a complex set of needs, and to tackle the underlying causes of offending community sentences may also have rehabilitative requirements attached, including drug, alcohol and mental health difficulties. The Independent Sentencing Review made a clear recommendation to expand the use of Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs) - we have acted on that and have published an Expression of Interest process to identify future areas, with plans to begin implementation within the next year. These courts impose orders with tough conditions, including regular judicial reviews and rehabilitative requirements, along with strict consequences for non-compliance to tackle the root causes of prolific offending. There is strong international evidence showing that these approaches can break the cycle of re-offending, and early results from the ISCs are promising.

Parliament has provided the courts with a broad range of sentencing powers to deal effectively and appropriately with offenders – including prolific offenders – and this includes discharges, fines, community sentences, suspended sentences, and custodial sentences.

Minimum sentences are rare in England and Wales, and are only provided in legislation for certain offences where there is a particular concern. It is the function of the court to decide the sentence in each case subject to the maximum that Parliament has provided, and any relevant Sentencing Guidelines published by the Sentencing Council. Sentencing must also be proportionate to the offence committed, taking into account all the circumstances of each case.