Usk and Prescoed

Response
The Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence was abolished in late 2012 by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Act. This abolition was not applied retrospectively as the Government at the time took the view it would not be right to alter sentences that had been lawfully imposed prior to their abolition. This means that the Parole Board will grant those serving these sentences release only once they have demonstrated they will no longer pose a significant risk to the public. Whilst our main priority is to protect the public, I would like to reassure you that HMPPS remains committed to doing all it can to support the progression of those serving IPP sentences. This commitment is delivered by means of a bespoke and regularly refreshed IPP action plan, which includes a broad range of work streams such as case reviews delivered by Psychology Services to identify the most appropriate pathway for each individual and specialist progression regimes in an environment of increasing freedoms and responsibilities within closed prisons. As the number of IPP prisoners who have never been released continues to decrease, the proportion of those who remain in prison who committed more serious offences and whose cases are complex grows. These prisoners are still assessed to pose a high risk of committing further violent or sexual offences and have a complex set of risks and needs. These must be addressed before the Parole Board can consider that their risk to the public is safely manageable in the community under probation supervision. HMPPS will continue to work with these individuals to offer them opportunities to reduce their identified risks. For these reasons, there are some prisoners serving an IPP sentence who have spent a significant number of years in custody after completing their tariff. Following the publication of the Justice Select Committee report into the IPP sentence, the recommendations are being carefully considered and my officials will also review the IPP Action Plan in light of this.

Response
I was saddened to learn of the death of one of the mental health nurses during May 2022 and I offer my condolences to everyone at the establishments and the bereaved. I understand that short term cover commenced in September and measures to permanently address the vacancy is already progressing.