Recommendation 16

We are concerned by the high number of women placed on remand despite the often low risk that they pose to the public and the fact that many will not go on to receive a custodial sentence. The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged this is a problem, but more action needs to be taken to ensure that low-risk women receive the support The role of adult custodial remand in the criminal justice system 45 they need to await trial in the community rather than remanding them to custody, particularly if it is unlikely that they will receive a custodial sentence following trial. We would welcome an update on the progress on the Female Offender Strategy with regard to ensuring that custodial remand is not used as a default alternative where community provision is not available. We would also welcome an update on the commitment to provide specialist accommodation, finance and debt support for all women on remand or sentenced to custody, due to have commenced in summer 2022.