§ Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives on the types of activity which are appropriate for a person sentenced to community service. [106586]
§ Hilary BennIndividual probation areas have discretion over the type of unpaid work that is assigned to offenders sentenced to community punishment (the new name for what was community service). Home Office National Standards for the Supervision of Offenders in the Community require probation areas to ensure that unpaid work is physically, emotionally or mentally demanding, so that it constitutes an effective deterrent to offending behaviour and a credible alternative to custody. Further guidance specifies that activities should take into account the needs of individuals, such as those related to gender, ethnicity or ability, meet health and safety requirements and must not replace work that would normally be carried out by paid employees. Typical unpaid work includes canal clearance, removal of graffiti and the decoration of community centres.