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Written question asked by Lord Garnier (Conservative) on Monday, 21 March 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2022. It was answered by Lord Wolfson of Tredegar (Conservative) on Monday, 4 April 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Sexual Offences: Sentencing

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in establishing a progression unit for prisoners subject to Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences with a sexual offence, further to the Joint IPP Action Plan published by Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service and the Parole Board in June 2019.

Answer

The IPP Action Plan is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of those serving IPP sentences, whether in prison or in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with measures mandated in the interests of public health, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) implemented exceptional delivery models which inevitably had some impact on all operational work. A large number of IPP prisoners have been released each year since the IPP Action Plan first introduced in 2016, and the Plan will be refreshed, reviewed and republished after careful consideration of the forthcoming Justice Select Committee’s Report and recommendations.

A progression unit for prisoners serving IPP sentences with a conviction for a sexual offence has been open at HMP Littlehey for the last three years. The unit provides an environment where prisoners feel safe and receive support to focus on their progression. As with the other workstreams within the IPP action plan, HMPPS will review the progress of the unit this year, which will also take account of any relevant aspects of the report and recommendations of the Justice Select Committee.

HMPPS continue to engage with senior managers in prisons run under contract, to ensure that the IPP Action Plan initiatives are reflected in their delivery plans. For example, each contracted site has an IPP single point of contact for Psychology Services.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7136
Session
2021-22
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2019-0946
Friday, 21 June 2019
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Prisoners Sentencing Sexual offences
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk