Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Deferred
Six-year funding rule hinders prisoner access to higher education despite proven benefits
Conclusion
Evidence shows that prisoners who participate in higher education are 20 per cent less likely to reoffend and commit 30 per cent fewer reoffences in the year following release. Reforming the six-year funding rule would support long-term prisoners to develop skills, contribute positively to prison life, and reduce their risk of reoffending on release. The Government’s rationale not to reform this rule—based on loan repayment—fails to account for these wider social and economic benefits, even when loans are not repaid. (Conclusion, Paragraph 170)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, committing to review the Justice and Education Select Committee’s recommendations on access to student finance for prisoners, including the six-year funding rule, to inform future policy decisions. It highlights existing provisions through partners and charitable grants.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Partially Accept. The MoJ is committed to enabling prisoners to access higher education while in custody. We already work with partners such as the Prisoners Education Trust and the Open University to widen access for higher education for prisoners, and some prisoners can study degrees funded through charitable grants provided by the Longford Trust. The Ministry of Justice and Department for Education will review the Justice and Education Select Committee’s recommendations on access to student finance for prisoners. MoJ will consider the costs and benefits and use this to inform future policy decisions.