Oral Answers to Questions

Steve Brine Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

Absolutely, and if that is by way of a fine, we intend to collect it.

[Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con)]

9. What recent steps he has taken to reduce reoffending by young offenders.

[Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con)]

14. What recent steps he has taken to reduce reoffending by young offenders.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Crispin Blunt)]

Reducing reoffending is a key priority for this Government, and the challenge is most acute with young offenders. Recent steps that will specifically apply to under-18s include youth custody pathfinders, the troubled families programme, the programme on gangs and youth violence, restorative justice, new out-of-court disposals, increased curfews, more severe breach penalties, minimum mandatory custodial sentences for aggravated knife crime, and integrated resettlement support. These measures complement the already very substantial number of further measures and programmes that are aimed at dealing with all age groups who reoffend, not least young adults.

[Steve Brine]

I thank the Minister for his breathless list. He will know of the charity User Voice, which engages those who have experience of the criminal justice system in bringing about reform and reducing reoffending. A group of young people from the organisation recently came to give evidence to the Justice Committee for its youth justice inquiry. It was striking to hear them say that having respect for the status and position of a youth offending team worker is not the same thing as connecting with them and having them make a reasonable difference to their lives. Does the Minister agree that there has to be a much greater role for offenders and ex-offenders in steering young people away from the spiral of offending and constant reoffending?

[Mr Blunt]

I have met people from User Voice several times, and I agree with my hon. Friend about the value of their work. I also agree that ex-offenders are uniquely placed to offer support to offenders, along with other professional services, and can connect with them in a way that many other agencies cannot. Peer-mentoring services using ex-offenders are being developed at Ashfield and Cookham Wood young offenders institutions, working with the Prince’s Trust.