Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 17
17
So far as Day 1 provision itself goes, we have heard convincing evidence that some...
Recommendation
So far as Day 1 provision itself goes, we have heard convincing evidence that some services may not be available straight away and are not clear what will be provided for those people who would use them. We invite the Ministry of Justice to set out what initial provision will be offered on Day 1 to those who need financial, benefits and debt services no longer available, a need that may be exacerbated by the conditions created by the covid pandemic. We recognise that suitable services will be made available at a later date, but we seek clear information on when that will be. We recommend that the Ministry set out a post-Day 1 procurement timeline for services not in scope for Day 1. (Paragraph 87) Through the Gate and the new Resettlement model
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Agreed In the absence of a commissioned service at Day 1, Probation Practitioners will support offenders to access available statutory and other provision. Also, suppliers of Personal Wellbeing services will offer additional support, including the availability of mentors, to those who need help to attend appointments and sustain engagement with existing provision. The holistic service for Women will include tailored services for those with needs in relation to finances, benefits and debt. In relation to those serving custodial sentences, Through the Gates (TTG) staff moving into the Probation Service will continue to deliver Finance, Benefit and Debt services, including opening of bank accounts with associated activity to obtain ID and arranging to contact creditors at start of a sentence. Guidance is being developed to support access into other prison-based services, such as the Prisoner bank account programme and Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). Commissioning decisions after Day 1 will be driven by commissioning plans developed by Regional Probation Directors, recognising they are best placed to decide what they need to prioritise to meet particular local needs. Commercial Business Partners have begun engagement with Regional Probation Directors to identify local needs, including in non-day 1 categories such as Finance, Benefit and Debt; and pipelines will be shared as commissioning plans are developed.