Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Rejected
Paragraph: 117
Set out complementary work being done alongside ACCT to prevent over-reliance on the process.
Recommendation
Although many witnesses have welcomed the revised ACCT process, we note the concern expressed by some that there may be an over-reliance on ACCT, and a perception that it is seen as an outcome in itself. Whilst the ACCT should be seen as a means to achieving a successful outcome for women in prison, the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS should set out what work is being done alongside ACCT, to ensure there is not an over-reliance on this process.
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation, explaining that a cross-agency group found no robust data sources for the issue and it is not practical to collect new data while focusing on reforms to prevent custody being used as a place of safety.
Paragraph Reference:
117
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
We do not accept this recommendation. A cross-agency group, established by MoJ, carried out extensive work to explore potential data sources to better understand the circumstances in which these powers are used. The group concluded that there is no robust source of data or proxy measures which can provide an accurate, complete picture of the issue. It would not be practical to introduce mechanisms to start collecting this data now, when our focus is moving to implementing reforms which will prevent the use of custody as a place of safety or for a person’s own protection, where the court’s sole concern is the defendant’s mental health.