Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Thirteenth Report - Secure training centres and secure schools
Public Accounts Committee
HC 30
Published 15 July 2022
Conclusions (5)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Audit General, we took evidence from the Ministry for Justice (the Ministry) and Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) about current youth custody provision in England and Wales, as well as their strategy for improving the options available for …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of recording protected characteristic information and describes the Youth Custody Service's D&I workstream.
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Following a long-term decline in children in custody, the Ministry and HMPPS anticipate the number of children in custody to more than double from 2021 levels by September 2024. They expect children aged 15 to 17 in young offender institutions (YOIs) will increase from 343 in July 2021 to 700 …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the forecasted increase in the youth custody population but suggests it may not materialize as quickly as previously estimated. They state that the youth estate currently has sufficient capacity.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Ministry spoke to us about its vision to be more outcomes-led and to drive up performance and standards. It also wants to focus on early intervention. The Government has announced youth funding of £100 million a year over the next three years, including £60 million a year for the …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of early intervention and community-based support, referencing the 9.8% uplift in funding to Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) and the new ‘Turnaround’ programme.
13
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The average number of children in custody has fallen by 73% in the last decade, from 2,040 in 2010–11, to 560 in 2020–21, reflecting a long-term decline in the number of recorded youth offences.38 The Ministry told us that the reduction has a lot to do with diversionary activities, whereby …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the youth custody population fell substantially, forecasts suggest it will increase, and HMPPS considers there will be sufficient capacity across the estate.
22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Ministry told us that it is focused on early intervention to improve outcomes for children.75 We asked the Ministry how it knows what works in terms of diverting children away from the youth justice system.76 It informed us that it is working closely with the Youth Justice Board and …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of early intervention and community-based support, referencing the 9.8% uplift in funding to Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) and the new ‘Turnaround’ programme.