Welcome to the January 2026 edition of the Clinks Policy Briefing. Please let us know if you have any thoughts on this newsletter or any of the things it has covered by contacting the Policy team.
This month:
- Our Policy Work, including our response to the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s National Plan for Ending Homelessness and the new Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, the publication of our September RR3 Quarterly minutes and a follow-up report on the Young Review, ten years on.
- Latest Justice News, including an update on the prison-building programme, co-occurring mental health and substance use delivery framework, a report on social contact in prison between April 2019 and June 2024, the latest edition of criminal court statistics quarterly for July to September 2025, and a report on the evolving response to ethnic disproportionality in youth justice, amongst other news.
- Parliamentary News,including questions to the Deputy Prime Minister on neurodiversity in prisons, prosecutions and support schemes for victims of sexual offences, PAVA spray in prisons, mental health services for people in prison, electronic tagging and increased funding for the voluntary sector, amongst other news.
- Sector Insights, including Advance’s new report on the critical role of women’s centres, responses to the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy by Advance and the Centre for Women’s Justice, Prisoners’ Advice and Care Trust’s evaluation of the Dealt an ACE project delivered at HMP / YOI Brinsford, and a report by JUSTICE which calls for urgent reform of the Probation Service, amongst a range of other sector insights and publications.
This month, we have continued to closely monitor the progress of the Sentencing Bill in Parliament.
We published a response to the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s (MHCLG’s) National Plan for Ending Homelessness. We welcomed the Plan’s commitments to reduce homelessness among people leaving prison through improved coordination, legal duties for public services, investment in accommodation and support programs, while noting that success depends on broader systemic reforms and adequate funding.
We have also issued a response to the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy, where we outline the key components of the strategy and explain why it’s guiding principles may end up causing difficulties for the voluntary sector in its implementation.
We have published the minutes for our Quarterly RR3 September session, here.
In partnership with Action for Race Equality (ARE), we published a new report, the Young Review, 10 years on, in response to the initial Young Review, published in 2014, which highlighted significant racial and religious disparities affecting Black and Muslim men in the Criminal Justice System. Our new report warns that, despite the review’s comprehensive recommendations aimed at addressing racial disparities, there continues to be a lack of progress in this area.
Previously, we announced 28 January 2026 as the date for our next Annual Conference, with the theme: “Stronger Together: Celebrating Community, Championing Progress.” This is a reminder to book your place now.
Government Response to the Prison Capacity Review
On Tuesday 9 December, the Deputy Prime Minister issued an official response to the Independent Prison Capacity Review.
Annual Report 2025: Serious Further Offences
On Tuesday 9 December, the Chief Inspectorate of Probation published their fourth annual report on serious further offences.
Ministry of Justice prison-building update
On Tuesday 9 December, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) announced further details regarding its prison-building programme.
Co-occurring mental health and substance use delivery framework
On Wednesday 10 December, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England published guidance covering the co-occurring mental health and substance use delivery framework.
HMPPS National Regime Model (NRM) policy framework
On Wednesday 10 December, HMPPS and the MoJ published the National Regime Model (NRM) policy framework, which sets out the annual governance process for how regimes should be designed, delivered, monitored, and assured in prisons.
Government response to the report ‘Victims in their own right?’
On Wednesday 10 December, the Department for Education published their response to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report on child victims of domestic abuse.
Social contact in prison: April 2019 to June 2024
On Thursday 11 December, the MoJ published an analysis of social contact in prison between April 2019 to June 2024.
Tribunals statistics quarterly: July to September 2025
On Thursday 11 December, the MoJ published statistics on the type and volume of tribunal cases received, disposed of or outstanding between July and September 2025. This also includes statistics on the Gender Recognition Certificate applied for and granted by HMCTS Gender Recognition Panel.
Tackling drug misuse in prisons: a qualitative study of the implementation of drug testing in 6 prisons
On Thursday 11 December, the MoJ published research which aimed to examine how drug testing regimens were implemented in adult male prisons in England.
A Process Evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living Wings in Three Prisons
On Thursday 11 December, the MoJ published a process and impact evaluation of 3 prisons’ Incentivised Substance Free Living Wings.
National plan to halve long-term rough sleeping and prevent homelessness
On Thursday 11 December, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published their National Plan to End Homelessness.
Process Evaluation of Drug Recovery Wings
On Thursday 11 December, the MoJ published their process evaluation report covering Drug Recovery Wings in prisons.
Evaluation of the Changing Futures programme
On Thursday 11 December, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities published the final report from the Changing Futures evaluation.
Youth custody data
On Friday 12 December, HMPPS and YCS published monthly statistics on the population in custody of children and young people within the secure estate for October 2025.
UK National Preventive Mechanism Annual Report: 2024-25
On Friday 12 December, the MoJ published the 16th annual report of the UK’s National Preventive Mechanism: Monitoring places of detention.
Recall, review and re-release of recalled prisoners
On Tuesday 16 December, the MoJ and HMPPS updated their framework on mandatory requirements and guidance for prison and probation staff involved in the recall, review and re-release of recalled prisoners.
Risk of serious violence of those already known to the Probation Service
On Tuesday 16 December, the MoJ and Probation Service published research and analysis exploring the use of new algorithms and risk factors to improve the prediction of serious violence.
Whole Life Orders for murders of police, prison or probation officers
On Tuesday 16 December, the MoJ announced that there will be whole life orders for murders connected to the police, prison or probation officer's current or former duties.
Impact evaluation of Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 (CAS3)
On Tuesday 16 December, the MoJ published an impact evaluation of CAS3 on male resident reoffending, accommodation and employment outcomes.
Sentencing Reform
On Tuesday 16 December, Minister Jake Richards and Lord James Timpson announced that the Government will table an amendment to the Sentencing Bill to broaden the starting point for sentencing for the murder of a police or prison officer in the course of their duty.
Outcome of unduly lenient sentence referrals
On Wednesday 17 December, the Attorney General’s Office published their most recent data covering sentences they have examined under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.
Vision working group reports: 10 Year Health Plan for England
On Wednesday 17 December, the Department of Health and Social Care published the final reports from the vision working groups that supported the development of the 10 Year Health Plan.
Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy
On Thursday 18 December, the Home Office published their strategy to combat violence against women and girls, which sets out the government’s vision and actions for meeting its ambition to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
Deploying the full power of the state to tackle VAWG
On Thursday 18 December, the Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips, delivered a statement to the House of Commons around the new Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy.
London Knife Crime Ad Hoc to June 2025
On Thursday 18 December, the MoJ published an ad hoc release covering individuals convicted of knife crime offences in London between 27 February 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Criminal court statistics quarterly: July to September 2025
On Thursday 18 December, the MoJ published official statistics covering the type and volume of cases received and processed through the criminal court system of England and Wales, including statistics on case timeliness from July to September 2025.
Justice in Numbers Summary Tables and Pocketbook
On Friday 19 December, the MoJ published the latest edition of the justice in numbers pocketbook.
The evolving response to ethnic disproportionality in youth justice
On Friday 19 December, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales published a news story which highlights the systemic biases that fuel the over-representation of Black and Mixed ethnicity children in the youth justice system, and explores the structural reform and culturally sensitive interventions that can ensure fairness and equity within the system.
A Thematic Inspection on The Quality of Services Delivered to Young Adults in Probation.
On Tuesday 23 December, the MoJ and HMPPS published their 12-month update to HMI Probation's thematic inspection of The Quality of Services Delivered to Young Adults in Probation.
Festive booze ban for record number of ‘offenders’ on tags
On Tuesday 30 December, the MoJ announced that more people than ever before will be forced to stay sober during the festive season as part of the Government’s Plan for Change to cut alcohol-fuelled crime.
Ad-Hoc Alcohol Monitoring Statistics Publication, Dec 2025
On Tuesday 30 December, the MoJ published official statistics which cover the number of individuals in England and Wales on electronic tags for Alcohol Monitoring.
Police recorded knife-enabled robbery offences, to October 2025
On Tuesday 30 December, the Home Office published management information on knife-enabled robberies (KER) recorded by the 7 police forces who were part of the KER Taskforce.
Thousands of new magistrates wanted in 2026 as Government launches national recruitment campaign
On Saturday 3 January, the MoJ announced that thousands of people will be called on to volunteer their time to delivering justice by becoming a magistrate.
Pregnancy, MBUs and maternal separation in women’s prisons Policy Framework
On Monday 5 January, the MoJ and HMPPS updated the pregnancy, MBUs and maternal separation in women’s prisons policy framework.
Failure at the Ministry of Justice: Scathing PAC report holds Department to account
On Wednesday 7 January, the Public Accounts Committee published their report on the Ministry of Justice, covering the landscape for legal aid and HMPPS spending decisions around HMP Dartmoor.
An early review of HMPPS' revised Use of Force training curriculum
On Thursday 8 January, HMPPS published its findings from an early review of HMPPS’ Use of Force (UoF) training curriculum across adult estate prisons in England and Wales.
Assessment and control of Radon in HMPPS prisons, probation sites and contracted prisons policy framework
On Thursday 8 January, the MoJ and HMPPS updated their framework which concerns the minimum requirements for the control of exposure to radon in all HMPPS and contracted prisons, probation sites.
External escorts policy framework
On Thursday 8 January, the MoJ and HMPPS updated the policy and guidance framework for public and contracted prisons on how to prevent the risk of escape during external escorts.
Generic Parole Process Policy Framework
On Thursday 9 January, the MoJ and HMPPS updated their framework concerning mandatory requirements and guidance for all prison and probation staff involved in the generic parole process.
NHS and probation join forces to break cycle of reoffending
On Friday 9 January, the MoJ announced that individuals with mental health and addiction issues will be jointly monitored by probation and NHS experts to address the root causes of reoffending.
Youth custody data
On Friday 9 January, HMPPS and YCS published monthly statistics on the population in custody of children and young people within the secure estate for November 2025.
Children and Young Adults in the Secure Estate
On Monday 12 January, the Justice Committee announced its inquiry into children and young adults in the secure estate in England and Wales to determine if the current system effectively prevents offending while upholding a "child-first" approach.
Victim information requests: code of practice
On Monday 12 January, the Home Office published their code of practice for authorised persons requesting a victim's third party material.
New rules on police requesting counselling notes come into force
On Monday 12 January, the Home Office announced that victims will be given more privacy with new rules blocking police from requesting counselling notes during investigations unless in exceptional circumstances.
Reading for rehabilitation
On Tuesday 13 January, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons published a thematic review which explored how some prisons had made huge strides in addressing deficiencies in the teaching of reading across the prison estate, showing that it was possible to transform the reading offer for prisoners and promote it as an essential component of rehabilitation.
Recent business
Parliamentary questions:
- The Deputy Prime Minister was asked about several key issues, including: juries (here and here), maximums for sentences given in swift courts, sentencing in the Crown Courts, people who reoffend (here and here), education in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs), variations in sentencing and sentencing people who reoffend, public confidence in sentencing, offences against children, drugs in prison, prison sentences (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), criminal proceedings for rape, rehabilitation for people in prison, release of people who commit crimes of violence or sexual offences, remand in custody, arts in crime prevention, neurodiversity in prisons, prosecutions and support schemes for victims of sexual offences, PAVA spray in prisons, mental health services for people in prison, health of people released from prison and on remand, crime in prisons, remand, education in prisons and education for people on remand in custody, prison accommodation, prison hygiene, transfers of people in prison, prosecutions, victim cooperation, electronic tagging and electronic tagging for monitoring alcohol consumption, ethnic groups in youth justice, youth justice standards and increased funding for the voluntary sector.
- The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care was asked about ongoing care for people following release from prison, mental health and health services for people in prison, HIV infections in prison (here and here).
- The Home Secretary was asked about Police and Crime Commissioners. .
Bill Updates
Sentencing Bill
- Tuesday 6 January, Report Stage in the House of Lords
- Monday 12 January, Third Reading in the House of Lords
Mental Health Bill
Thursday 18 December, the Mental Health Bill received Royal Assent
Crime and Policing Bill
- Tuesday 9 December, Fifth Sitting in the Committee Stage in the House of Lords
- Monday 15 December, Sixth Sitting in the Committee Stage
- Wednesday 17 December, Seventh Sitting in the Committee Stage
- Wednesday 7 January, Eighth Sitting in the Committee Stage
Victims and Courts Bill
- Tuesday 16 December, Second Sitting in the House of Lords
Debates
- Wednesday 10 December, restriction of jury trials, debated in the House of Lords
- Thursday 11 December, National Plan to End Homelessness, debated in the House of Commons
- Tuesday 16 December, Wales’ criminal justice system, debated in the House of Commons
- Wednesday 17 December, Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, debated in the House of Lords
- Thursday 18 December, Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, debated in the House of Commons
- Wednesday 7 January, jury trials, debated in the House of Commons
Prisons
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) published a briefing which calls for a long-term strategy for digital learning in prison, as inconsistent provision threatens learning opportunities and employment prospects.
Accommodation
Homeless Link published a response to the Government’s new Homelessness Strategy, praising its focus on prevention, collaboration, and breaking the cycle of homelessness through immediate support and long-term reforms. They stressed the need for adequate funding, sustainable models, and inclusive delivery, while committing to work with ministers and stakeholders to achieve a country free from homelessness.
Mental Health
The Prisoners’ Advice and Care Trust (PACT) published an evaluation of the Dealt an ACE project delivered at HMP / YOI Brinsford. This report provided trauma-informed casework to young men in custody, aiming to improve mental wellbeing and resilience among those with adverse childhood experiences.
Rehabilitation
Unlock published a briefing on the Right to be Forgotten, which argues that the digital age has eroded the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act’s promise of second chances by making criminal records permanently searchable online. It calls for urgent reforms, including digital rehabilitation provisions, clearer public interest tests, stronger regulatory enforcement, and ethical reporting standards, to prevent lifelong stigma and discrimination.
Long Sentences
The Prison Reform Trust published a report examining how long-term imprisonment erodes hope, meaning, and fulfilment, identifying harms such as institutionalisation and loss of autonomy. It recommends several reforms including better education, family support, and peer engagement to help people in prison sustain dignity, agency, and a sense of purpose.
Probation
JUSTICE has published a report which calls for urgent reform of the Probation Service to address chronic underfunding, understaffing, and rising recalls. It recommends increased investment in staff, improved pre-sentence reports, expanded and rehabilitative community sentences, better resettlement support, fairer recall processes, and systemic changes to restore public trust and reduce reoffending.
Women
Advance published a report which highlights the critical role of women’s centres in providing trauma-informed, holistic support for women affected by domestic abuse and the criminal justice system, improving safety, confidence, and reducing reoffending rates.
The Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) published their response to the government’s new strategy aimed at tackling violence against women and girls. They welcomed the strategy’s key commitments but warned that the strategy fails to introduce urgently needed protections for victim-survivors accused of offending. Advance also published its response to the strategy.
Neurodiversity
Dion Brown, Tanya L. Procyshyn, Carrie Allison, Eleanor Neyroud and Simon Baron-Cohen published a report on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autistic traits observed in individuals who have been arrested by the London Metropolitan Police. Their screening tools identified 50% and 5% of arrestees without an existing diagnosis as warranting further assessment for ADHD and autism, respectively.
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This month's edition was written by...
Clinks Specialist Policy and Communications Officer, Elizaveta Strelnikova
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