Pact CEO welcomes Sentencing Bill, but warns 'serious questions remain'

In response to the publication of the Sentencing Bill, Pact CEO Andy Keen Downs CBE said: "The measures set out in the Bill are sensible, much needed, and most importantly, follow the evidence about what works to reduce reoffending.

"For too long, the whole system has been driven by a ‘tough on crime’ political narrative that prioritises punitive measures over those proven to promote rehabilitation. This failed approach has brought the criminal justice system to its knees. 

"Abolishing most short sentences is the right thing to do. All the evidence shows that robust community sentences with treatment requirements are more effective at reducing reoffending than a short stay in prison.

"However, questions remain about the ability of the Probation Service to cope with greater numbers of people in the system. More investment in the service is welcome, but the scale of the challenge facing probation staff will be huge. Ministers would do well to implement David Gauke’s recommendation to increase funding for the voluntary sector to provide greater support to our hard-pressed probation services to meet demand."