§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 February 2000,Official Report, column 318W, for what reasons the number of people fined for offences has fallen over the last 10 years; whether it is his policy to increase the number of offenders fined; what the latest figures are for reoffending rates following a fine compared to other types of sentence; and if he will make a statement. [110953]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Government want to encourage the use of fines, which can be an effective penalty. A project funded under the Crime Reduction Programme is under way to identify and extend successful fine enforcement techniques. This should encourage courts to make greater use of fines.
The use of fines as a disposal has been decreasing since the mid 1970s. This is due to a combination of factors including the greater variety and use of community sentences, and the increased use of immediate custody. Other specific factors, such as the sharp fall in 1996–97 in proceedings under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts (mainly Television licence evasion), and changes arising from the reclassification of the offence of driving while disqualified also had an effect.
Information on reoffending rates is not available centrally. The latest information on reconviction rates following fines and other types of non-custodial disposal is shown in the table. These relate to a sample of offenders who were sentenced during the first quarter of 1996 and reconvicted within two years of sentence. 56 per cent. of those released from custody during 1995 were reconvicted within two years of release. 834W
Two year reconviction rates by type of non-custodial disposal, first quarter of 1996 Percentage Disposal Reconviction rate Conditional Discharge 45 Fine 36 Probation 60 Community Service 51