RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRISON PROGRAMMES

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.