Member

I also think it reasonable to allow a period of two years to elapse before judging the overall evidence of the efficacy of these changes, particularly as they relate to community orders and suspended sentence orders. The noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, referred to it as a sunset clause. I am not sure that it is quite a sunset clause in the traditional sense, but it is reasonable and appropriate for us to measure the effect of these changes and whether the Minister and the Government are as good as their word in reducing recidivism by 10%. If not, Parliament and Ministers will have the responsibility and duty thereafter to review the policy in the light of the evidence and take appropriate action. I think a fair-minded person would concur with that. Others may wish to comment on Amendment 93A, but I believe it is sensible to put this provision in the Bill because it is evidence based, and I know the Minister believes in evidence-led policy.