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Written question asked by Robert Flello (Labour) on Thursday, 17 November 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 November 2016 (named day). It was answered by Robert Goodwill (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 April 2017 on behalf of the Home Office.

Alternatives to Prison

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to develop and implement community-based alternatives to detention for (a) vulnerable people who have already been detained and (b) people at risk of vulnerability as a result of detention.

Answer

There is always a presumption of liberty and detention is only ever used sparingly and for the shortest period necessary. For those individuals with no right to remain in the UK, we expect them to leave the country of their own volition and the Home Office has programmes to support voluntary return.

The Home Office expects that current and planned reforms, and broader changes in legislation, policy and operational approaches will lead to a reduction in the number of the most vulnerable detained and the duration of detention before removal.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
53576
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Detainees Alternatives to prison
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk