Select committee: Justice Committee
Recommendation 1
5th Report - Ageing prison population
Published 27 Jul 2020
Paragraph 8
Addressed to Ministry of Justice
Justice Committee Ageing prison population All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Recommendation (the committee's words)
A clear definition of the older prisoner is necessary for establishing a more strategic approach to the cohort and the ageing prison population. We do not take a view on what that definition should be, but whatever age threshold is used should be based on firm evidence, and we encourage the MoJ to keep definitions used under review. Flexibility is also important, so that frail and vulnerable prisoners younger than any age threshold—50, 60, or otherwise—are managed in the most appropriate way. We also believe that prisoners need as far as is possible to be treated as individuals and receive regimes that are tailored accordingly.
From: Justice Committee, 5th Report - Ageing prison population (HC 304), paragraph 8, 27 July 2020
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 17 November 2020 (deadline 27 September 2020).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government says it recognises the report's themes, has commissioned an older offenders strategy as recommended, and, because that strategy is in development, is "not yet in a position to answer each of your recommendations fully".
- On the national strategy, the government says "We agree that now is the time to produce a national strategy for older offenders", has "commenced work" and will write to the Committee once the strategy is published.
- On accommodation, the government is "considering models for accommodating older offenders as part of the older offenders strategy" and will update further once it is published. It says it will outline its long-term estates plans towards the end of the year and consult the Committee early next year.
- On projections, the government says updated prison population projections are "now due to be published on the 26th November" and will factor in additional police officers and recent sentencing policy changes.
- On telemedicine, NHS England and NHS Improvement have worked with HMPPS, and approved software and equipment "has now been procured and rolled out in all English prisons".