Member

I thank my noble friend Lord Blunkett for his ardent determination to tackle the challenges of the IPP sentence. We agree with his suggestion in Amendment 77 of a two-year qualifying period. However, we do not agree that the qualifying period for DPP offenders should be reduced. DPP offenders who entered custody as teenagers have missed critical life stages such as education, employment, relationships and independent living. The Probation Service plays a key role in providing the sustained support they need to build the stability and skills necessary for safe reintegration. Shortening the qualifying period would significantly reduce the support mechanisms available to the offender and increase the risk to victims and the public. It could lead to difficulties for the probation officer in making a comprehensive referral, and for the Parole Board in determining whether it is safe to terminate the licence. It may therefore lead to fewer decisions to do so.