Fewer prisoners 'to be jailed' under new government plans » Central Government » 24dash.com

Fewer prisoners are to be jailed under government plans for a softer approach to tackling crime, it is reported today.

Cabinet papers leaked to the Independent suggest the Government is now ready to put more of an emphasis on rehabilitating offenders, rather than jailing them.

The new policy will be outlined in proposals to be set out in the latest report of the Prime Minister's six-month policy review - due to be published early next week.

According to the Independent, the leaked papers say: "The Government is now in a position where it can focus on retaining stability in sentencing, and increasing the focus on rehabilitation."

The proposals include more "tough and effective community sentences" as an alternative to prison such as removing non-cash assets and driving licences; more rehabilitation in jails; keeping prisoners in contact with their children; and more therapy and less reliance on drugs to treat mentally ill offenders.

It also includes special courts for the mentally ill; "hybrid" prisons for serious offenders with mental problems non-custodial sentences and support for non-serious offenders with mental problems; and an expansion of treatment for offenders with drug and alcohol problems and earlier interventions to stop children leading a life of crime.

Around 100,000 offenders are responsible for half of all crimes in England and Wales, with 5,000 of them responsible for one in 10 offences.

The report says the Government must "tackle the underlying causes of crime through preventative interventions and rehabilitation, addressing social exclusion, dysfunctional families, drugs and alcohol abuse."

The report admits: "The actual and perceived level of anti-social behaviour remains unacceptably high."

Copyright Press Association 2007

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