Remand prisoners: Committee sees mixed Government response to report

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In November 2022, the number of prisoners held on remand reached approximately 14,700, according to the Ministry of Justice. This is the highest figure for over 50 years.

However, commenting on the government’s response to recommendations in its report on remand prisoners which was published in January, Sir Bob welcomed a commitment to consider improvements in the support provided to people who are acquitted.

The full details of the Committee’s recommendations can be found in its report published on January 17, 2023. The government’s response to those recommendations is published by the Committee today.

Chair's comments

The Chair of the Justice Committee, Sir Bob Neill MP said: 

“The number of people being held on remand is at its highest for over 50 years.

There are often good reasons for people to be detained in this way. But everyone is innocent until proven guilty, so it is disappointing that the government is not doing everything it possibly can to understand why the numbers on remand are rising, and how to bring those numbers down.

“On the plus side, however, I’m pleased that the government has agreed to consider a more level playing field for all prisoners who have been acquitted as they return to the community.

It is of course right that prisoners who have been convicted and served their sentences then get financial and other assistance on release. But it is manifestly unfair that acquitted remand prisoners – innocent in the eyes of the law – get nothing”.  

The Justice Committee also said it was also pleased the government had accepted its recommendation to assess whether the provision of ‘bail hostels’ was sufficient. These hostels provide short-term accommodation for people who are eligible for bail but do not have a suitable address to go to - as well as accommodation for some other categories of people.

The Committee said it would monitor the situation on all the recommendations it had made to see if further reports or other actions became necessary.  

Further information

• Inquiry: The role of adult custodial remand in the criminal justice system
• Justice Committee
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• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Parliamentary copyright/Gabriel Sainhas