Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 5th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

4. What steps the Government are taking to reform the youth justice system.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

We are increasing the frontline staff numbers in youth offending institutions by 20%. We have introduced enhanced support units at one location—soon to be two—to improve the behavioural management of very difficult children. We are also introducing secure schools, to fundamentally change the environment in which young people in custody are held.

[Eddie Hughes]

I thank the Minister for his answer. Perhaps he could tell us what role sport could play in helping to work with people in the youth justice system?

[Dr Lee]

It is interesting to note that the average person in youth custody spends more time in the classroom per week than I did at grammar school. I am firmly of the opinion that sport should play a bigger part in the typical day of those in the youth system, which is why I have commissioned Professor Rosie Meek to provide a report on the benefits of sport, both in custody and in the community. We should be publishing the report shortly.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 5th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

I was in Cardiff last Thursday, when I met the pathfinder team there who work with women offenders, both in the community and when they are in custody, and I was very impressed by the work they do. I went on to the youth offending establishment at Parc, where I was particularly impressed during the visit. On both youth and women, our strategy is that if we can keep people out of custody, we will, but if they need to be in custody, we will make that decision.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

T7. Will my right hon. Friend advise me as to what steps are being taken to reduce reoffending levels among young people in the west midlands, including in my constituency?

[Dr Lee]

The current rate of reoffending among the youth population is way too high, and I have taken measures to address it. Part of that has been investing £64 million in the youth custody reform programme, which includes better training for staff.