PRT comment: Justice and Home Affairs Committee report Better Prisons: Less Crime

Commenting on the findings of today’s report by the Justice and Home Affairs Committee, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust said:

“This report contains a number of important recommendations which should be given careful consideration by the government. We particularly welcome its proposals to enhance prison governor autonomy, improve prison officer recruitment and training, raise levels of purposeful activity and increase the accountability of both prisons and HMPPS to parliament and the public. Any improvements in the running of prisons these proposals would bring are predicated on reducing the pressures of rising demand on an overburdened system. This is why the demand reduction measures contained in the sentencing review are so important.

“A greater focus on the role of prisons in reducing reoffending should include the recognition that prison is often poor at addressing the risks associated with recidivism and may increase the likelihood of an individual returning to a life of crime on release. In particular, the Ministry of Justice’s own evidence shows that community sentences are more effective than short prison sentences at reducing reoffending. This is why the sentencing review has recommended greater investment in community alternatives, a presumption against short sentences and the increased use of suspended sentences and deferred sentencing. Prison should be used sparingly and as the punishment of last resort for serious offences.”