Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Paragraph: 28
Female custody population decline is temporary, with significant future increase predicted by Ministry of Justice.
Conclusion
One of the strategic objectives of the Female Offender Strategy is to see fewer women in custody. Whilst there has been a decline since February 2017 from 3,958 to 3,219 in July 2022, to a large extent this has been a result of lower crime and the reduction in court activity during the pandemic. Moreover, the MoJ itself now predicts an increase in the female population by more than a third over present levels in the next three years.
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming existing funding for Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services, and committed to a review to identify good practice in L&D women's pathways, followed by a workshop in November and a report to the Non-custodial Partnership Advisory Group.
Paragraph Reference:
28
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We accept this recommendation. Liaison and Diversion services (L&D) are fully funded by NHSE. The overall funding envelope is currently £68m per year and all (L&D) services are commissioned to provide a women’s pathway. L&D funding benefits from a percentage year on year increase that reflects the cost of living. A review is currently underway to identify and highlight areas of good practice and offer support to services who may wish to further develop their L&D female pathways. There will be a workshop for commissioners and providers in November to share learning, before reporting back to the Non-custodial Partnership Advisory Group.