Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what targets they have for reducing rates of reoffending; and what plans they have for (1) a partial replacement of custodial sentences with community sentences, and (2) policies to assist families, communities and schools to dissuade young people from crime.

We have taken decisive action to reduce reoffending. For the first time in recent history those sentenced to less than 12 months in custody receive probation support on release. We have also opened up the delivery of rehabilitation services to a diverse range of providers, including private and voluntary sector organisations. While there is no specific national target for reducing reoffending, Community Rehabilitation Companies are incentivised to help offenders turn their backs on crime and will only be paid in full if they are successful in reducing reoffending.

The government is currently considering what options there may be for strengthening and improving the current community sentence framework, and in particular the role that technology may play in this. No decisions have yet been made.

We are committed to preventing youth offending and supporting families. We contribute to the Youth Engagement Fund which is using social impact bonds to support up to 8,000 disadvantaged young people to improve their educational qualifications and secure employment which will reduce their risk of becoming involved in offending. We have also introduced family engagement workers in young adult and women’s prisons to help strengthen family relationships.