Last week I hosted a roundtable of criminal justice partners to see what can be done to reduce re-offending rates in Suffolk, especially when recidivism takes place.
The event made for some very useful discussion. Many are concerned at the prospect of further programmes for early release of prisoners and the ensuing potential risk to public safety and the additional burden on policing and the potential increased risk for some victims. That said, it really is not good enough that our prisons are full to bursting and on occasion police cells are being utilised for temporary accommodation. In my opinion the cause of this problem is a lack of forward planning by successive governments of all complexions to increase prison capacity in a timely manner. In the longer term the prison expansion programme started under the last government will help. The major expansion of HMP Highpoint near Haverhill is a case in point, but construction will take some years to complete.
The cost to society and the taxpayer of this parlous situation is staggering. Each prison place costs considerably more than £50,000 per annum and recidivism rates are at nearly thirty per cent. The current prison population is nearly 90,000 strong and at full capacity. Our population is continuing to expand, crime is becoming more complex, and I hope detection rates will increase - this will compound the challenges in our prisons
In my opinion, much more needs to be done to reduce re-offending rates. As a former farmer, I have some experience of employing people with criminal records and passionately believe society can do much more to reduce recidivism. Change can and must be made as the status quo is unaffordable and a huge waste of human resources. Part of my Suffolk Police and Crime Plan is to help deliver a reduction in re-offending rates.
Far too many inmates had a shocking life when they were youngsters - no appropriate adult role models and often enter adulthood with few academic or practical qualifications. Compared with most of us, using a rugby metaphor, they are 10 points down before kick-off!
Since I was elected nearly thirteen years ago, our crime disorder and reduction grants have made a positive difference to many people by helping them improve their self-belief and confidence, developing employability skills and helping them make the right choices in life - particularly for those under twenty-five years old. Charities such as Inspire, Volunteering Matters, 4YP, Lofty Heights and Level 2 are examples of what is delivered successfully. A further excellent example of work supported by our grants can be found in Lowestoft at the Pathways Care Farm.
Some years ago, I was privileged to visit the military correction centre in Colchester. The process was not all about square bashing but teaching offenders a wide variety of vocational skills before their military discharge. Construction, electrical, fabrication and machine maintenance skills training were all available and considerable effort was made to find them gainful employment. We need to replicate this for those leaving our prisons.
In Suffolk we now have a chance to provide hope and make a difference. Those at the meeting agreed to work together to improve the life-chances of those leaving prison to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. This should be backed up by a commitment from the public sector to award contracts to organisations who are prepared to give these individuals a second chance in life.
It should not a simple matter of get released and sort yourself out. Many inmates require supervision and support as they adjust to the world of work and resettling themselves into society. Some, particularly those being released after long-stretches in prison, will not be familiar with work schedules and routines, but with the correct boundaries and discipline, success is a distinct probability.
Our roundtable was attended by many parts of the criminal justice system including prisons, probation, youth justice and the police. In addition, there were representatives from the department of work and pensions, and health – crucial partners in this process. There is a huge level of goodwill and enthusiasm to make our joint proposals a success
In and around East Anglia there are many new housing developments planned and major infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C and various road improvements such as the Long Stratton bypass and the east bound A47 between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Surely the billions of yours and my taxes can be spent more intelligently through the procurement process to reduce recidivism and therefore levels of crime. Churchill’s comment that “In the heart of every man is a jewel if only you can find it” is spot on. We intend to find those jewels!
Published in East Anglian Daily Times in July 2025