HL Deb 22 July 1998 vol 592 cc112-4WA
Lord Wedderburn of Charlton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the outcome of the review of arrangements for the release of prisoners on temporary licence. [HL3004]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Following a review initiated by the Director General of the Prison Service, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has decided to make a number of changes to the arrangements for release of prisoners on temporary licence, to support the Government's policy of developing constructive regimes for prisoners. The current system, put in place in 1995, has significantly reduced the numbers of temporary release failures, and the stringent risk assessment process will remain in place in order to ensure protection of the public. The Prisoners (Return to Custody) Act 1995 made it an offence to fail to return to custody after a period of temporary release. However, the current system places too great a limit on opportunities for governors to develop activities aimed at supporting constructive regimes and preparing prisoners for resettlement in the community.

From 1 September, governors will be able to develop challenging activities for young offenders outside the establishment, including schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Young offenders will be allowed limited participation in team sports in the community, where they are able to represent the establishment and build local contacts. Many establishments already undertake reparational and community work, and overnight stays away from the establishment will be permitted for selected young offenders where this is necessary to support such projects.

A number of measures will assist prisoners in finding work or training on release and in maintaining family ties, factors central to reducing reoffending. Short term young offenders will be eligible for release on facility licence for interviews to obtain housing or employment on release, and for hostel assessments. Prisoners aged 18–24 will be eligible for release on facility licence, including overnight stays where necessary, for employment related interviews under the Government's New Deal scheme. Further opportunities will be made available, for both adult prisoners and young offenders, to gain experience of employment prior to release. The current restrictions on prisoners obtaining paid work in this community will be amended to allow governors greater freedom to develop "working out" schemes, to allow prisoners experience of regular employment. Release on resettlement licence will also be extended for young offenders once they have reached the latter stages of their sentences to assist in their resettlement in the community.

Consideration will be given to extending some of these changes to all adult prisoners if the evaluation suggests that it is safe to do so.

A copy of the relevant Prison Service Instruction, giving full details of the changes, will be placed in the Library.