Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Rejected
Paragraph: 49
Consider establishing an overarching guideline or guidance for sentencing female offenders.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Sentencing Council considers whether an overarching guideline or guidance for sentencing female offenders is required.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejected the recommendation for an overarching sentencing guideline for female offenders, stating that the sentencing code already requires Pre-Sentence Reports (PSRs) and that they are addressing the issue through the ongoing PSR pilot, which includes female offenders as a priority cohort.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
We do not accept the recommendation, but we support the principle behind the recommendation. The sentencing code is already clear that the court is required to request a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) unless it considers it to be unnecessary. We recognise the value of quality PSRs and are working to improve their quality, targeting and timeliness. This is why we are running the PSR Pilot, which includes female offenders as a priority cohort as they have been identified as having particular needs for written PSRs. The evaluation of the pilot will be published in 2023. Engagement with the judiciary through written reports and liaison meetings will also include raising awareness of the specific issues faced by women who offend and provide an increased understanding of the possible implications and opportunities of sentencing