Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Deferred
Remanding individuals for protection under Bail Act 1976 is wrong in principle.
Conclusion
The Courts use the provisions in the Bail Act 1976 to remand people to prison for their own protection or welfare only because proper alternatives in the community are not available. We are concerned about the lack of safeguards under this provision, the length of time men, women and children may be remanded, and the unsuitability of prison for them. The use of prisons in this way is wrong in principle. (Paragraph 103) Mental health in prison 31
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need to consider impacts of repealing this power and states they are currently reviewing its use and alternatives to prevent vulnerable defendants from harm.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government needs to fully consider all of the impacts of repealing this power in order to ensure its removal would not result in any vulnerable defendants coming to harm. We are therefore currently reviewing the use of the power in order to better understand the full range of areas in which the power is used and merits of alternative measures for those who may be remanded in custody for reasons other than their mental health.