Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Paragraph: 72
We recommend, however, that the Government investigate the reasons behind the relatively high level of...
Recommendation
We recommend, however, that the Government investigate the reasons behind the relatively high level of remand into custody and explain the reasons behind that, particularly given the pressures on the custodial estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
Paragraph Reference:
72
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The number of children and young people on remand has remained stable over the last three years at around 250 children and young people at any one time. But it is true that the proportion of the youth custodial population accounted for by children and young people on remand has increased, which is likely due to a range of factors, such as a lower overall custodial population, and a higher proportion of children and young people in custody for serious index offences. Thanks to the hard work of our staff and the recovery plans put in place by HMCTS, Youth courts are now clearing backlogs, which should help to reduce the number and proportion of children and young people remanded. Youth cases are listed as a matter of priority, particularly those cases where a young person is remanded either into a custodial establishment or into the care of the local authority. As part of recovery planning, outstanding youth cases are monitored closely to ensure they are listed as swiftly as possible.