Standard Determinate Sentences: Early Release

22 Apr

Question

The Question session in the House of Commons focused on evaluating the efficacy of the Standard Determinate Sentences (SDS) 40% early release scheme, various management issues within the UK prison system, particularly concerning electronic tagging, and the performance of the contractor, Serco. The session was marked by clear concerns regarding the inconsistencies in the tagging program's duration and the results it produced during emergency release periods. Persistent issues with the tagging system and its contractual implications were underscored by both MPs and the Secretary of State. Key points discussed included:

The Increase in Prison Population: There is a noted rise in prison numbers, prompting the government's response to plan for 14,000 additional prison places by 2031, compared to past government achievements.

14,000 prison places

The government plans to add these by 2031 as a measure to accommodate rising inmate numbers.

Discrepancies in Tagging Periods: Discrepancy between the Prison Minister's statement on tagging duration and recent reports highlighted potential mismanagement and a lack of accurate reporting.

53 vs. 78 days

Differences in reported maximum intervals for tagging process, causing concern over management inefficiencies.

Contractual Issues with Serco: The current administration inherited longstanding performance issues with Serco regarding electronic tagging inadequacies and has taken steps to rectify these through fines and rigorous oversight.

500 prison places

The previous Conservative government's additions over 14 years, juxtaposed against current plans.

Outcome

The session concluded with a commitment from the Secretary of State to ensure transparency concerning the tagging data and taking stringent actions against Serco if deemed necessary. The government also highlighted its commitment to expanding prison capacity significantly to avoid similar issues in the future. The emphasis was on making the system more robust and responsive to growing needs.

Key Contributions

Rebecca PaulConservative Member

Conservative

Inquired about the recent assessment of the SDS 40% early release scheme.

Shabana MahmoodResponding MP

Not mentioned

Acknowledged the prison crisis caused by the previous government and underscored the current government's strategy to mitigate future issues.

Mr SpeakerSpeaker of the House

Not mentioned

Introduced the Liberal Democrat spokesperson to the debate.

Josh BabarindeLiberal Democrat Spokesperson

Liberal Democrats

Criticized the inadequacies of Serco's electronic tagging contract, highlighting failures impacting victims.

Original Transcript

Rebecca Paul

Reigate

Con

Question

UIN: 903770

14. What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the standard determinate sentences 40% early release scheme.

Rebecca Paul

Last month, the Prisons Minister said that the longest time that an early-released prisoner had been left to wander the streets without an electronic tag was 53 days. However, just over a week ago, it was reported that prisoners have not been tagged for up to 78 days.

Can the Secretary of State please clarify this apparent inconsistency?

Shabana Mahmood

We were transparent with the House about the problems with tagging during the second tranche of emergency releases last year. I will ensure that we publish the correct information, and I can write to the hon.

Lady with the exact figures, but we have been holding Serco to account, because its performance on its contract has been unacceptable. We have levied fines, and we have said that all options are on the table for any further action that we might need to take.

Mr Speaker

I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

Josh Babarinde

Eastbourne

One of the dying acts of the last Conservative Government was to shake hands with Serco on an electronic tagging contract that Channel 4’s “Dispatches” found was completely inadequate. People with serious convictions were left without tags for days and weeks.

Victims and survivors were failed, including survivors of those released early under the SDS40 scheme. What will the Secretary of State do to hold Serco to account for these failures, and to clear up the mess that was fundamentally created by the failures of the last Government?

Shabana Mahmood

The hon. Member is right: this is one of the many difficult inheritances left for us by the previous Conservative Government. The contract with Serco was agreed by the previous Conservative Administration. We acknowledge that the performance of Serco has been unacceptable.

We have already been closely monitoring—day by day—its performance and delivery under the contract, and we have imposed fines for poor performance.

Some of the issues relating to the SDS40 emergency releases were ultimately dealt with after close oversight by officials and Ministers, and we continue to monitor the contract very closely. As I have said, should further fines or other measures be required, all options are on the table.

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