Written question asked by Peter Kyle (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 December 2020 (named day). It was answered by Lucy Frazer (Conservative) on Monday, 7 December 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Parole: Coronavirus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has put in place to allow prisoners eligible for parole to access approved premises and leave prison during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answer: Approved Premises contribute to the management of high and very high-risk offenders to support their resettlement into the community. We have continued to accept referrals to Approved Premises throughout the pandemic. A priority referral allocation process is in place which includes the prioritisation of high and very high-risk parole cases. Where appropriate, those whose release has been directed by the Parole Board with a condition that they reside in an Approved Premises upon release have been accommodated in Approved Premises throughout the pandemic.

Secondary information