Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of women remanded in custody were (1) not sentenced to prison, and (2) sentenced to a short prison term less than the period on remand, in each of the past three years.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
The percentage of women remanded in custody that were not sentenced to prison was 52% in 2022 and 2023. This increased slightly to 54% in 2024.
Percentage of women remanded in custody not receiving immediate custodial sentence
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Magistrates’ Courts | 68% | 65% | 67% |
Crown Courts | 45% | 45% | 45% |
Magistrates’ and Crown Courts | 52% | 52% | 54% |
Prisoners’ sentences are counted only once in these figures, at the court where they were sentenced: either at Magistrates’ or Crown Court.
Separate Magistrates’ and Crown Court figures are included in the table to show the varying custodial sentence rates, which are reflective of the different types of case sentenced at Magistrates’ and Crown courts.
Prisoners were remanded at some point in the proceedings, for any length of time (i.e. not necessarily remanded throughout court proceedings).
Further important caveats are found in the ‘Notes’ tab of the data source "Remands data tool: 2017 to 2024" (particularly notes 27-31), which is available through the following link: Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: December 2024 - GOV.UK.
Information relating to the total time spent on custodial remand is not centrally held by the Ministry of Justice, due to the considerable complexity in interpreting custodial journeys, which may include multiple cases in parallel. Although the Department has released estimates in the past, it has since been identified that results from the methodology previously used may no longer be accurate, and on that basis the Ministry of Justice cannot continue to use them. The Department is, however, working to improve its data and insights around this cohort of prisoners.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede on 9 May (HL6996), what progress they have made on each of the actions identified in that answer regarding the role, accessibility and quality of intermediary services.
Answered by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Ministry of Justice completed a review of registered intermediary (RI) provision in 2023 which was summarised in the 2023 Witness Intermediary Scheme (WIS) Annual Report (also attached).
We have made good progress on the recommended actions, revising the definition of the RI role in guidance and working with criminal justice organisations and professional bodies such as the Bar Council to improve understanding of how to work with RIs.
We have also streamlined the Witness Intermediary Scheme’s governance and quality assurance arrangements through the creation of a Governance and Standards Board, responsible for both the strategic direction of the Scheme and overseeing the quality of registered intermediary practise.
Demand is growing for registered intermediaries, who play an important part in enabling thousands of vulnerable victims and witnesses to give their best evidence in criminal proceedings. We remain committed to considering how intermediary services are delivered across the justice sector and exploring options for how these might be delivered in future to help inform a better understanding of current usage and future demand for intermediaries across all justice settings.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government on how many occasions pelargonic acid vanillylamide incapacitant spray was (1) drawn, and (2) drawn and deployed, in prisons in (a) 2022, and (b) 2023, on individuals classified with the W3 Gypsy or Irish Traveller ethnicity code.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
The requested information is shown in the table below.
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||||
Ethnic Group | Drawn and used | Drawn not used | Total |
| Drawn and used | Drawn not used | Total |
|
White: Gypsy or Irish Traveller (W3) | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| 10 | 9 | 19 |
|
Pelargonic acid vanillylamide incapacitant (PAVA) spray is made available to protect staff and prisoners in the adult estate in the event of serious violence, or where there is an imminent risk of serious violence. Clear guidance has been issued to staff, to ensure it is used only where appropriate. Our hardworking prison officers are brave public servants doing exceptionally difficult jobs, this Government will do everything we can to keep them safe.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the role of intermediaries in the criminal justice system.
Answered by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Ministry of Justice completed a review of intermediary provision in 2023 which was summarised in the 2023 Witness Intermediary Scheme (WIS) Annual Report.
The review recommended actions to enhance the role, accessibility, and quality of intermediary services, including:
Revising the definition of registered intermediaries and devising a communication plan to build better understanding of the intermediary role.
Seeking improved data collection and analysis around intermediary usage; and
Building relationships with stakeholders to ensure consistent quality of intermediary services across criminal, family and civil jurisdictions as well as continuing to increase understanding of vulnerable users’ needs.
We have no plans to conduct a further review at this stage, as we are progressing the above actions.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of convicted offenders had a pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service presented to the judiciary in England and Wales in (1) the Crown Court and (2) a magistrates' court in each of the past three years.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
We cannot provide the percentage of convicted offenders with a pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service and presented to the Crown Courts and Magistrates Court for the past three years as the information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
However, we can provide the number of pre-sentence reports prepared by the probation service and presented to the Crown and Magistrates courts respectively.
Number of pre-sentence reports prepared and presented by the probation service in England and Wales:
| Crown Courts | Magistrates Courts |
2023 | 30,494 | 60,874 |
2022 | 25,079 | 58,161 |
2021 | 27,779 | 60,878 |
Note: Offender Management Statistics for the year of 2024 will be published on 24 April 2025.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government what restrictions are placed on people convicted of a criminal offence who seek employment in the Probation Service.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
The vetting process includes review of any convictions that may lawfully be taken into account, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A balanced decision is made regarding offence history, based on the type of offence, the number of offences, and the length of time since the offences were committed.
We offer alternative employment entry schemes (Going Forward into Employment and Standard Plus) for people with lived experience, who would not be able to enter the organisation under the usual vetting routes. These schemes are open to people with recent offending history or who have recently been released from prison. Candidates are thoroughly risk-assessed and considered on a case-by-case basis, for suitable roles within the organisation.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government what statutory requirements govern the preparation of pre-sentence reports in England and Wales by the Probation Service for all convicted offenders in (1) the Crown Court, and (2) the Magistrates Court.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
Section 30 of the Sentencing Code provides for the provision of pre-sentencing reports for offenders where there is a requirement to obtain a PSR under the Code. This includes where the court is considering whether the offender should receive a sentence of immediate custody. It sets out that if an offender is aged 18 or over, a sentencing court must obtain and consider a pre-sentence report before forming an opinion unless, in the circumstances of the case, it considers that it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report.
PSRs include an assessment of the offender's behaviour, the risk they pose, and recommendations for sentencing options, helping to ensure that the sentence is tailored to the individual offender and their circumstances. The PSR can recommend various sentencing options, including community sentences and specific requirements like treatment programs. Based on the assessment, a PSR suggests the most appropriate sentence for the offence and makes recommendations to the Court; however, the final decision is at the judge’s discretion.
The Sentencing Council’s Imposition guideline provides sentencing courts with the general principles around imposing community orders and custodial sentences, and in what circumstances a custodial sentence can be suspended. The Lord Chancellor has been clear that the guidelines regarding pre-sentencing reports do not represent the views of this Government. The Lord Chancellor and the Chairman of the Sentencing Council have had a constructive discussion. It was agreed that the Lord Chancellor will set out her position more fully in writing, which the Sentencing Council will then consider before the guideline is due to come into effect.
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government who was the contracted provider of each prison that has either transferred back to the public sector control having been privately contracted, or closed having been privately contracted, since 2000; what were the contractual start dates; and what were the contractual expiry dates.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
The key contractual dates for the current privately-operated prisons are set out in the table below.
Prison | Operator | Current contract dates | Previous operator | Previous contract dates |
Altcourse | Sodexo | 01/06/2023 to 32/05/2033 | G4S | 01/12/1997 to 31/05/2023 |
Ashfield | Serco | 01/11/2024 to 31/10/2034 | Serco | 01/11/1999 to 31/10/2024 |
Bronzefield | Sodexo | 17/06/2004 to 16/06/2029 | N/A | N/A |
Doncaster | Serco | 01/10/2011 to 30/9/2026 | Serco | Not known – this was a Home Office contract |
Dovegate | Serco | 09/07/2001 to 08/07/2026 | N/A | N/A |
Five Wells | G4S | 04/02/2022 to 03/02/2032 | N/A | N/A |
Fosse Way | Serco | 29/05/2023 to 28/05/2033 | N/A | N/A |
Forest Bank | Sodexo | 20/01/2000 to 19/01/2025 | N/A | N/A |
Northumberland | Sodexo | 01/12/2013 to 30/11/2028 | HMPPS | N/A |
Oakwood | G4S | 24/04/2012 to 23/04/2027 | N/A | N/A |
Parc | G4S | 15/12/1997 to 14/12/2022 | G4S | 15/12/2022 to 14/12/2032 |
Peterborough (female) | Sodexo | 28/03/2005 to 27/03/2030 | N/A | N/A |
Peterborough (male) | Sodexo | 28/03/2005 to 27/03/2030 | N/A | N/A |
Rye Hill | G4S | 21/10/2001 to 20/10/2026 | N/A | N/A |
Thameside | Serco | 01/06/2012 to 31/12/2036 | N/A | N/A |
*Inherited from the Home Office
The key contractual dates for prisons that were previously privately-operated are set out in the table below.
Prison | Operator | Contract dates | Date transitioned back to PSP | Reason for return to PSP/closure |
Birmingham | G4S | 01/10/2011 to 30/09/2026 | 30/06/2019 | Step in by public sector. |
Lowdham Grange | Sodexo Serco | 16/02/2023 to 15/02/2033 16/02/1998 to 16/02/2023 | 01/08/2024 | Step in by public sector. |
Wolds | G4S | July 1991 to July 2013 | July 2013 | Outcome of competition |
Buckley Hall | Group 4 | 1994 to 2001 | 2001 | Outcome of Competition |
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government who is the contracted provider for each current private sector prison; when were the contractual start dates; when are the contractual expiry dates; and where the contracted provider has changed, who was the previous contracted provider and what was the start date and end date of that provider.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
The key contractual dates for the current privately-operated prisons are set out in the table below.
Prison | Operator | Current contract dates | Previous operator | Previous contract dates |
Altcourse | Sodexo | 01/06/2023 to 32/05/2033 | G4S | 01/12/1997 to 31/05/2023 |
Ashfield | Serco | 01/11/2024 to 31/10/2034 | Serco | 01/11/1999 to 31/10/2024 |
Bronzefield | Sodexo | 17/06/2004 to 16/06/2029 | N/A | N/A |
Doncaster | Serco | 01/10/2011 to 30/9/2026 | Serco | Not known – this was a Home Office contract |
Dovegate | Serco | 09/07/2001 to 08/07/2026 | N/A | N/A |
Five Wells | G4S | 04/02/2022 to 03/02/2032 | N/A | N/A |
Fosse Way | Serco | 29/05/2023 to 28/05/2033 | N/A | N/A |
Forest Bank | Sodexo | 20/01/2000 to 19/01/2025 | N/A | N/A |
Northumberland | Sodexo | 01/12/2013 to 30/11/2028 | HMPPS | N/A |
Oakwood | G4S | 24/04/2012 to 23/04/2027 | N/A | N/A |
Parc | G4S | 15/12/1997 to 14/12/2022 | G4S | 15/12/2022 to 14/12/2032 |
Peterborough (female) | Sodexo | 28/03/2005 to 27/03/2030 | N/A | N/A |
Peterborough (male) | Sodexo | 28/03/2005 to 27/03/2030 | N/A | N/A |
Rye Hill | G4S | 21/10/2001 to 20/10/2026 | N/A | N/A |
Thameside | Serco | 01/06/2012 to 31/12/2036 | N/A | N/A |
*Inherited from the Home Office
The key contractual dates for prisons that were previously privately-operated are set out in the table below.
Prison | Operator | Contract dates | Date transitioned back to PSP | Reason for return to PSP/closure |
Birmingham | G4S | 01/10/2011 to 30/09/2026 | 30/06/2019 | Step in by public sector. |
Lowdham Grange | Sodexo Serco | 16/02/2023 to 15/02/2033 16/02/1998 to 16/02/2023 | 01/08/2024 | Step in by public sector. |
Wolds | G4S | July 1991 to July 2013 | July 2013 | Outcome of competition |
Buckley Hall | Group 4 | 1994 to 2001 | 2001 | Outcome of Competition |
Asked by: Lord Bradley (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask His Majesty's Government on how many occasions pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA) incapacitant spray has been (1) drawn, or (2) drawn and deployed, in prisons in 2022 and 2023; and what was the (a) ethnicity, (b) religion, and (c) disability status, of the prisoner involved.
Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
The requested information, by prisoner ethnicity and religious affiliation, is provided in the tables below:
PAVA incident reports by ethnic group (2022, 2023)
| 2022 |
| 2022 Total | 2023 |
| 2023 Total |
Ethnic Group | Drawn and used | Drawn not used |
| Drawn and used | Drawn not used |
|
Asian | 42 | 9 | 51 | 62 | 11 | 73 |
Black | 245 | 67 | 312 | 349 | 132 | 481 |
Mixed | 53 | 21 | 74 | 91 | 47 | 138 |
Other | 15 | * | 20 | 19 | 15 | 34 |
White | 167 | 61 | 228 | 319 | 212 | 531 |
Unknown | - | * | * | * | * | * |
Grand Total | 522 | 164 | 686 | 843 | 418 | 1,261 |
PAVA incident reports by religion group (2022, 2023)
| 2022 |
| 2022 Total | 2023 |
| 2023 Total |
Religion Group | Drawn and used | Drawn not used |
| Drawn and used | Drawn not used |
|
Christian | 259 | 66 | 325 | 341 | 161 | 502 |
Muslim | 186 | 54 | 240 | 335 | 142 | 477 |
No Religion | 62 | 31 | 93 | 141 | 92 | 233 |
Other | 15 | 13 | 28 | 24 | 23 | 47 |
Unknown | - | - | - | * | - | * |
Grand Total | 522 | 164 | 686 | 843 | 418 | 1,261 |
The Use of Force Policy Framework sets out the context in which force is used lawfully by trained prison staff as well as setting out a professional standard for using force.
All prison officers trained in how to use PAVA undergo regular refreshers which cover the lawful use of force in the custodial setting.
HMPPS is closely monitoring the use of PAVA in all sites at senior levels.
These figures have been drawn from HMPPS Management information. Care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, but the detail is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. We do not provide exact data when the figure is five or fewer, as this risks identification of individuals. In these cases, the figure has been replaced by the symbol *. This approach is in accordance with our standards on data disclosure.
Information relating to the use of PAVA spray on prisoners with disabilities is recorded in a number of formats. To be able to identify all such cases, it would be necessary to review all potentially relevant records, and this could not be done without incurring disproportionate cost.