RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRISON PROGRAMMES

Early day motion 1097, tabled 16 March 2010 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 29 members.

That this House notes with concern the figures revealed by the National Audit Office showing that prisoner re-offending rates cost the taxpayer £10 billion a year; applauds the positive impact of restorative justice programmes such as those run by the organisation Sycamore Tree, which have been shown to halve re-offending rates among participants; believes that at £3,500 for a six-week programme for 20 inmates, Sycamore Tree's restorative justice course is excellent value for money, providing restitution and release for victims and a chance to reform for offenders; and calls on the Government to ensure that restorative justice programmes are available in every prison.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 14, Labour 12, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.