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1137663

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Probate: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the probate system.
	tabling member constituency	Totnes
	tabling member printed	Dr Sarah Wollaston
	uin	911811
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <p>Waiting times in the probate service have recently increased. However, following urgent action by the courts service, they are now starting to improve.</p><p> </p><p>The temporary delays were the result of more work coming into the system and the impact of the initial move to a new IT system for managing probate work.</p><p> </p><p>Now that move is complete, and the unusually high workload has been dealt with, we expect waiting times to continue to improve – and be back to normal levels in the coming weeks.</p> answering member constituency Blackpool North and Cleveleys answering member printed Paul Maynard question first answered 09/07/2019 16:19:12 answering member 3926 label Biography information for Paul Maynard
	tabling member	4073 label Biography information for Dr Sarah Wollaston

1137664

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Camp Hill Prison
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What progress he has made on the sale of the Camp Hill prison site to Isle of Wight Council.
	tabling member constituency	Isle of Wight
	tabling member printed	Mr Bob Seely
	uin	911812
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <p>We have commissioned a demolition survey of the former prison results should hopefully be available, in late July.</p><p> </p><p>The Camp Hill element of HM Prison Isle of Wight closed on 31 March 2013. In summer 2014, the then Secretary of State decided that the former prison sites at Camp Hill, Reading and Wellingborough would be retained in case they offered a useful contingency option to deal with population pressures. The site was released for disposal on 10 January 2017.</p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 09/07/2019 15:58:09 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4681 label Biography information for Bob Seely

1137665

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Bristol Prison: Safety
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps he is taking to help ensure a safe regime for (a) staff and (b) prisoners in Horfield prison in Bristol.
	tabling member constituency	Bristol West
	tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
	uin	911813
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td><p>An Urgent Notification was invoked at HMP Bristol on 13th June 2019. There has been some progress at HMP Bristol under Special Measures to bolster staff to a sufficient level, reduce illicit drug use and improve living conditions by refurbishing a wing and a number of the showers. However, we know more support is needed. The Secretary of State will publish his response and an initial action plan within 28 calendar days (on 11<sup>th</sup> July) in response to the most serious and urgent concerns raised.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Immediate action has been taken to ensure prisoners can speak to Samaritans on their in-cell phones. In addition, action has been taken to address issues raised regarding the safer custody hotline and prevent issues from recurring, so prisoners’ family and friends can report any concerns about a prisoner’s welfare directly to the prison.</p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 09/07/2019 16:00:18 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1137666

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Reoffenders: Sentencing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	If he will review sentencing policy for prolific offenders.
	tabling member constituency	Harborough
	tabling member printed	Neil O'Brien
	uin	911814
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <p>We are looking to take forward reform of short custodial sentences. We know that offenders serving short sentences often have long offending histories, as well as multiple and complex needs. In cases of the most persistent offenders, the evidence shows they are 36% more likely to re-offend where they have received a short custodial sentence rather than a court order. Community penalties can address underlying behaviour, answer mental health and alcohol or drug misuse needs and provide reparation for the benefit of the wider community.</p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 09/07/2019 16:03:15 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien

1137667

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Legal Aid Scheme: Canterbury
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps his Department is taking to improve provision of legal aid for housing cases in Canterbury.
	tabling member constituency	Canterbury
	tabling member printed	Rosie Duffield
	uin	911819
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <p>After the latest LAA civil tender the number of offices providing legal aid services has increased by 7% in housing and debt. The LAA reviews the access to services on a regular basis and takes any necessary action to maintain access to those services.</p><p> </p><p>As a result of the 2018 civil contract procurement activity access to providers offering Housing advice in Kent, and specifically the Kent Coast procurement area in which Canterbury falls, has increased.</p><p> </p><p>Following an extensive and open programme of engagement, we recently published our review of LASPO. We announced that we are launching a series of pilots offering early legal advice for an area of social welfare such as housing. These pilots will help us determine the most effective solutions going forward.</p> answering member constituency Blackpool North and Cleveleys answering member printed Paul Maynard question first answered 09/07/2019 16:19:57 answering member 3926 label Biography information for Paul Maynard
	tabling member	4616 label Biography information for Rosie Duffield

1137668

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Prison Officers: Training
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What progress the Government has made on improving training and support for prison officers.
	tabling member constituency	South Basildon and East Thurrock
	tabling member printed	Stephen Metcalfe
	uin	911821
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td><p>A delivery review of the Prison Officer Entry Level training (POELT) course has culminated in the development of a Level 3 Custody and Detention Officer Apprenticeship. New learning methodologies will have greater focus on practice of the knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to the Prison Officer role whilst also recognising the need for continuous training outside of the classroom. Two checkpoints will be included during this time where Apprentices will return to an L&amp;D centre for further learning.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This will give new prison officers the confidence to carry out their role safely. The Apprenticeship will be launched in early adopter sites from October 2019. All training is reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects current organisational policies and practices. New courses are developed based on requests from Stakeholders within the organisation.</p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 09/07/2019 16:04:52 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4092 label Biography information for Stephen Metcalfe

1137713

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Youth Offending Teams: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	Whether he plans to allocate additional funding to youth offending teams.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	911816
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td><p>We value the vital work Youth Offending Teams do with children who have offended, and the work they do to prevent offending. The Youth Justice Board’s total funding this year for frontline services including Youth Offending Teams is £72.2m. This is greater than last year’s funding, which was £71.6m.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Of the £72.2m, £70.7m has been allocated to the core grant for Youth Offending Teams and £1.5m to frontline service improvement.</p> answering member constituency Charnwood answering member printed Edward Argar question first answered 09/07/2019 16:01:26 answering member 4362 label Biography information for Edward Argar
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1137368

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Women's Prisons: Death
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many deaths there have been in women's prisons in 2019, broken down by (1) cause, (2) classification, and (3) prison.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Corston
	uin	HL16975
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/07/2019 answer text <p>The table below shows the numbers of deaths in women’s prisons, by classification, up to the end of March 2019. That is the latest date for which figures are available.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Prison</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>self-inflicted</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>homicide</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>natural causes</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>other non-natural</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>awaiting classification</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Askham Grange</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Bronzefield</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Downview</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Drake Hall</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Eastwood Park</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>East Sutton Park</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Foston Hall</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Low Newton</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>New Hall</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Peterborough (F)</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Send</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Styal</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td><td><p>-</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member printed Lord Keen of Elie question first answered 10/07/2019 15:42:10 answering member 4538 label Biography information for Lord Keen of Elie
	tabling member	215 label Biography information for Baroness Corston

1137642

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Council Tax: Sentencing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) women, and (b) men have been given a custodial sentence for the non-payment of council tax in each of the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Oxford East
	tabling member printed	Anneliese Dodds
	uin	274623
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>Non-payment of council tax is not a criminal offence and cannot attract a custodial sentence.</p><p> </p><p>Committal to prison can only ever be the last resort for non-payment of council tax. Before a magistrates’ court commits someone to prison for failure to pay their council tax, it must have issued a “liability order” and the local authority must have (at least) tried and failed to take control of the debtor’s goods and sell them to recover the debt. Councils have additional powers of enforcement under a liability order, including deduction from earnings, deduction from benefit, charging orders on the property, and bankruptcy. If a council applies for committal to prison, the court must inquire into the debtor’s means, and the council must satisfy the court that there is no other effective method of collection and that failure to pay is due to wilful refusal or culpable neglect. This is to prevent persons who are genuinely unable to pay their council tax from being committed to prison. Where that is the case courts have the power to remit the debt.</p><p> </p><p>The number of people admitted to prison for non-payment of council tax, covering the period 1990 – 2018, can be viewed in Table A2.12 at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/796916/receptions-2018.ods" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/796916/receptions-2018.ods</a></p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 11/07/2019 15:23:07 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4657 label Biography information for Anneliese Dodds

1137118

	registered interest
	date	05/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Prisoners: Training
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether each prison is required to maintain a record of the courses offered to prisoners.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds East
	tabling member printed	Richard Burgon
	uin	273806
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>Prisons are required to maintain a record of the courses offered to prisoners. All prisons under the Prison Education Framework (PEF) contract are required to agree an annual delivery plan which sets out the services to be provided. Once the delivery plan is finalised a copy of the curriculum is uploaded onto an HMPPS Management Information System which is then visible and available to all prisons to support better co-ordination of the offer prisoners receive.</p><p> </p><p>We want prisons to provide offenders with the tools they need for successful rehabilitation, including education opportunities that prepare them for employment on release.</p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 11/07/2019 15:16:52 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4493 label Biography information for Richard Burgon