Written questions by Wild.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure that prison leavers under the Early Release Scheme are supported in securing housing upon release.

Those released under the Standard Determinate Sentence (SDS40) changes who are at risk of homelessness can be referred to H M Prison & Probation Service’s Community Accommodation Service, Tier 3, which can provide up to 12-weeks’ temporary accommodation.Latest published statistics show that the proven reoffending rate for adults released from prison homeless or rough sleeping was double the proven reoffending rate for those who were in some kind of accommodation upon release (69% vs 34%).During the initial release phase in September and October we worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and the Welsh Government to mitigate any impact on local authorities, as well as taking practical steps to minimise the chances that individuals were released homeless. These included ensuring data were shared with the 49 Strategic Housing Specialists based in prisons and with the Probation Service-based Homeless Prevention Teams, to make sure plans were in place for those who needed accommodation support.

With reference to her oral contribution of 5 November 2024, Official Report column 164, and to the oral contribution of 14 January 2025 by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Official Report column 170, what steps the (a) Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending and (b) Governor of HMP Garth have taken to tackle drone issues at that prison.

We are working hard to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones to deliver contraband into prisons. HM Prison & Probation Service uses targeted countermeasures such as improvements to windows, netting and grills to stop drones delivering contraband such as drugs, mobile telephones and weapons.A vulnerability assessment has been conducted to assess the risk of drone incursions at HMP Garth, and an action plan has been developed and implemented to manage and mitigate this threat. Owing to the operational sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose the exact countermeasures that have been put in place.

How many offenders have received a life sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

Sentencing outcomes at court for offenders prosecuted for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving and other offences can be obtained through published data: Outcomes by Offence data tool: December 2023.Provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing...

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of giving judges the power to compel offenders to appear in court for sentencing hearing for offences (a) that are punishable with imprisonment for 14 years

The Government is committed to legislating to enhance court powers to require offenders to attend their sentencing hearings. This precise measure will be included in the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill which the Government intends to introduce ...