Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Dari Taylor (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Short Custodial Sentences

Question: My right hon. Friend mentioned that the Government are pursuing intensive alternatives to custody. Will he tell the House what effect that approach is having in reducing reoffending?

Answer: The emerging evidence from the evaluations in the six areas where intensive alternatives to custody are being piloted suggests that they are significantly reducing reoffending. I have seen one of them in operation in Derby. There is no doubt that if they are properly planned and executed they can effectively force offenders to face up to the reasons why they are offending, and can establish strong discipline on them in the community. If that works, it is all to the good.

Secondary information