Women in Prison respond to Government response to Justice Select Committee Report

On Friday 24th October the Government have published their response to the Justice Select Committee Report on Women in Prison formally accepting 34 of the 37 recommendations

Sonya Ruparel, Chief Executive of Women in Prison says:

“In 2018 the Government committed to reducing the women’s prison population. However, prison population projections show it is expected to increase by one third over the next few years.

We hope the Government’s response to the Justice Select Committee report signals change is on the horizon.

Prison is a dead end that tears families apart. And we know this has a disproportionate impact on different groups of women, including those who are racially minoritised. If we want to address the reasons why women are swept into the criminal justice system in the first place, such as poverty, discrimination, mental ill health and homelessness the Government needs to focus on alternatives to prison through community-based services such as Women’s Centres. These organisations not only meet women’s needs in their communities but also save the government money. Our research shows that a typical Women’s Centre receiving £1m in a given year can support over 650 women and generate £2.75m in public sector savings, while providing a lifeline for vital services and significantly improving wellbeing for women and their children.

As we experience profound economic challenges, including the cost of living crisis, the Government needs to make good on its commitments and collectively invest in alternatives to prison including Women’s Centres to effectively tackle the root causes of crime.