Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent progress her Department has made on implementing the recommendations of the report by Baroness Jean Corston entitled Vulnerable women in prison, published on 13 March 2007; and whether she is taking steps to increase the number of women's centres.

This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.

Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.