§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many prisoners received discharge grant in each of the last three years at the standard and higher rates; and what was the total amount paid in each of those years. [HL3237]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonTotal recorded spend on discharge grants in those years was £3,747,714 (1997–98), £4,147,070 (1998–99) and £4,044,256 (1999–2000).
We do not have complete figures on the numbers and level of grant paid for those years, but the figures we do have for 1999–2000 show that, of 77,574 grants paid, 14,010 were paid at the higher level with the balance being paid at the standard level.
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§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the system of discharge grants payable to prisoners provides ex-prisoners with sufficient means of support until benefit becomes payable; whether they will replace grants by an interest-free loan equivalent to two weeks' benefit repayable from benefit over several weeks; and whether they accept that this would reduce the temptation to commit further offences. [HL3238]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonWe recognise that there are a number of issues surrounding the adequacy of support to prisoners on their release from custody and the barriers that may hinder their successful reintegration to society. The Prison Service and other departments are looking at the level and method of payment of discharge grants among other matters as ways of addressing these questions.