Written statement by AM, Deputy Minister and Chief
Whip
Todays’ publication of the Wales Governance Centre’s report,
Sentencing and Immediate Custody in Wales: A Fact file, is timely.
The findings will assist us in establishing a clearer picture of
sentencing and custody in Wales which will influence our future
work around offending. The report highlights the differences in
sentencing between Wales and England and the importance of having
Wales-specific data so we can understand better the operation of
justice policy and practice.
Whilst justice remains a non-devolved function, work is underway
with a range of partners to make sure we collectively provide the
best possible solutions for offenders in Wales. The ‘Framework to
support positive change for those at risk of offending in Wales’,
developed by Welsh Government and Her Majesty’s Prison and
Probation Service (HMPPS) in Wales, published in April 2018,
seeks to improve services for those at risk of re-entering, or
those who are already in the criminal justice system; to promote
continued collaboration to reduce the number of offenders and
re-offenders; and to keep communities safe.
Working with the Youth Justice Board Cymru and HMPPS, we are
developing proposals for how a distinct and different justice
system would operate specifically for female and youth offenders
in Wales. Early intervention and prevention are key - considering
how we can divert people away from crime in the first place in a
holistic and rehabilitative way is essential to Wales future
outlook.
I would like to thank Dr Robert Jones and the Wales Governance
Centre for their work and commitment to this important piece of
research and for his ongoing engagement with the Welsh
Government.
