Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Deferred
Paragraph: 104
Indefinite licence periods detrimentally affect IPP offenders' mental health and rehabilitation
Conclusion
Spending an indefinite period of time on licence in the community is detrimental to the mental health and rehabilitation of IPP offenders, and in many cases is not proportionate to the index offence. We welcome the introduction of automatic referral by the Secretary of State for licence termination at the 10-year point. We would welcome regular updates on the number of IPP offenders whose licence is terminated as a result of this mechanism.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the premise that IPP offenders are recalled unnecessarily and details existing and imminent changes to electronic monitoring policy. It does not address the core request for regular updates on licence termination numbers.
Paragraph Reference:
104
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Reasoning: We do not accept that the Parole Board should be involved in the decision to recall an offender to custody. It is for the Secretary of State to take the decision on whether to recall an individual to custody on the basis of evidence that risk has become unmanageable in the community. The Parole Board’s role is to consider, at the appropriate points, whether the individual is safe to be rereleased. Further, we do not accept that a parole hearing within two months of recall should be the focus. There is already a 28-day review on the papers at which the Parole Board has the power to re-release the offender. If the Parole Board decide an oral hearing is necessary, then they will list this in line with their listing policy, unless the panel assesses there is good reason to expedite the hearing. In cases where the Parole Board decline to re-release the recalled prisoner, HMPPS will set the date for the next review. Currently, this can be between 12 months and two years. The length of the review will depend on a number of factors such as outstanding sentence plan objectives or interventions to be completed, and mandating an annual review might work to the disadvantage of some recalled prisoners. We will work with the Parole Board to ensure that reviews are delivered effectively.