Written questions by Babarinde.

When the consultation into increasing inheritance rights for cohabitants will begin; when he expects it to be completed; when he expects proposals based on this consultation to be brought before Parliament; and which piece of legislation he expects the changes to be contained in.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he is taking steps to modernise the Inheritance Act to reflect a) common law partners and b) common law partners whose marriage plans were underway before one of those partners passed away.

There is no legal status of “common law partners” in England and Wales. Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, cohabitants (where they were living together as if married or in a civil partnership for at least two years) may apply for reasonable financial provision from a deceased partner’s estate.The Government recognises concerns about the current position and has committed to strengthening the rights of cohabitants. We will consult in due course on potential reforms, including enhancing inheritance rights for cohabitants.

What the budget is for the Office of the Standing Advocate in financial years (a) 2025-26 and (b) 2026-27.

It is important that the Office of the Independent Public Advocate is adequately equipped to deliver its vital function of supporting victims of future major incidents and preparing for these incidents.The budget for the Independent Public Advocate for 2025/26 is £552k. All future spending will be considered as part of the Department’s allocations process to determine detailed budgets over the spending period. We will explore budgetary requirements with the Advocate once they are in post.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of rehabilitation practices used at HMP Latchmere House on reducing reoffending.

I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 31 March 2025 to Question 42652.

How many courts and tribunals have been closed since 2015.

Since 2015, 90 courts and 4 tribunals have been permanently closed. All of these closures took place under the previous Government.The figures do not include integrations, where workload remained in the local area by transferring to another building in close proximity, or courts that are temporarily closed.

With reference to the Independent Sentencing Review, published on 22 May 2025, whether the introduction of an identifier at sentencing for domestic abuse perpetrators will enable the Government to exclude offenders who have committed domestic abuse from being included in an early release scheme.

On 22 May, the Lord Chancellor set out the Government’s in-principle response to the Independent Sentencing Review’s findings and recommendations, which will help to ensure that prisons never run out of space again and dangerous offenders can be kept off the streets. This includes a recommendation to introduce a statutory requirement for courts to record judicial findings of domestic abuse at sentencing to better identify them.The Government remains committed to ensuring that this better identification leads to more effective risk management and stronger victim protection, as part of our landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.

In what proportion of cases a pre-sentence report was requested in each year since 2013.

The Probation Service is responsible for producing Pre-Sentence Reports (PSRs) where they have been requested by the Court. The PSR assesses the offender’s behaviour, the risk they pose, and recommends sentencing options tailored to the individual. The report can suggest community sentences and specific requirements like treatment programmes. Ultimately, the PSR provides recommendations to the Court, but the final decision rests with the judge.The Lord Chancellor has been clear that she wishes to see the widest possible use of pre-sentencing reports and in recent months she has taken steps to ensure that the probation service has more time for vital work such as this.We cannot provide the proportion of cases where a pre-sentence report was requested in each year since 2013 as obtaining this information would incur disproportionate costs. However, we can provide the number of pre-sentence reports prepared by the Probation Service and presented to the criminal courts in England and Wales.YearNumber of pre-sentence reports2013163,7992014141,9322015159,2782016148,2962017129,6422018113,2282019103,004202068,077202188,657202283,240202391,368Note, these figures are published every April in Table 6.24 of the Offender Management Statistics quarterly bulletin. The latest figures are available within Probation: 2023 at Offender management statistics quarterly: October to December 2023 - GOV.UK. Figures for 2024 will be published on 24 April 2025.

Whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her Department’s policies of rehabilitation practices in HMP Latchmere House.

HMP Latchmere House is no longer operational.

Whether the Government plans to support the Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill.

This Government was elected on a landmark pledge to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade. Tackling domestic abuse is a core part of this mission. As discussed during the recent Adjournment Debate on Domestic Abuse Offences, the Government is actively considering various approaches to address the challenges posed by domestic abuse. However, there is a risk that proposals set out in the Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill could unwittingly create a system in which some offences are deemed serious enough to constitute offences that could be aggravated by domestic abuse, whereas other offences in which domestic abuse could play a part are not. For example, we should not return to the outdated view that domestic abuse only involves physical violence. We recognise the importance of ensuring that the harm caused by offences typically committed against women and girls is appropriately and proportionally reflected in the sentencing framework. The Sentencing Review, chaired by former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, is currently examining the sentencing of offences primarily committed against women and girls. We are committed to engaging with the review to ensure the best outcomes for survivors of domestic abuse. We agree with the Honourable Member for Eastbourne that it is crucial that we are able to better protect victims of domestic abuse, and I have committed to discuss this with him in more detail.

What the total value is of penalty charges imposed on Serco for underperformance in relation to its electronic tagging contract since November 2023.

Serco’s performance is not good enough, and last year’s backlog of outstanding visits has been substantially reduced. We will continue to hold Serco to account and will not hesitate to impose further contract penalties, where necessary, to drive performance improvement.The Ministry of Justice believes that the information is commercially sensitive and releasing this information would prejudice, or would likely prejudice, Serco Group Limited’s commercial interests.

If she will make it her policy to provide funding for the Safeline counselling service for male survivors of sexual abuse after March 2025.

The Ministry of Justice’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF) was recommissioned in 2023, under Government Commercial Function processes. Grant awards were made to successful applicants following an open competition. Grant amounts were dependent on the population formula amount allocated to the Police and Crime Commissioner area, and the application score. On 2 December 2024, I confirmed to RASASF grant recipients, including Safeline, that grant awards would be maintained through 2025-26 at 2024-25 levels.

What assessment her Department has made of the contribution of peer support programs to reducing reoffending rates in the criminal justice system.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

What steps her Department has taken to stop vetting processes barring those with criminal records being offered peer support roles in the justice sector.

The Ministry of Justice supports employment for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and we are committed to giving them the support they need to thrive.The Department is responsible for the care, supervision and rehabilitation of thousands of people. As well as reducing re-offending, there is a duty to protect the public, and victims of crime. Security vetting is vital to ensure that we can deliver these objectives effectively.For people with lived experience who are unable to attain security clearance, including for peer support roles, we have introduced two alternative entry schemes: Going Forward into Employment and Standard Plus. Applicants with recent offending history or who have recently left prison are risk-assessed for suitable roles within the organisation.These schemes allow a more holistic approach to risk assessment, taking into account evidence of personal growth and rehabilitation, with a greater focus on how we can mitigate any risks, so that HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) can make use of the skills and qualities that people with lived experience may be able to offer the organisation.There are, however, certain offences that we consider to pose an unmanageable risk to the safety and security of HMPPS, those working in any capacity, for or on behalf of HMPPS, prisoners, people on probation, visitors, and the public. This may mean that individuals who have committed these offences may never be granted security clearance.

What steps she is taking to ensure that peer mentors in the criminal justice system are adequately trained and supported in their roles.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

How much funding her Department is providing to promote peer support schemes in (a) custody and (b) community settings in the criminal justice system.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

What steps she is taking to expand peer-led initiatives in prisons and probation services.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of Sections 69-72 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 on human rights.

This Government will defend the rule of law and uphold human rights. We are carefully considering the impact of sections 69-72 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 on human rights.

What funding her Department provided to the (a) Survivors Trust Helpline, (b) National Male Survivor Helpline, and (c) Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline in financial year (i) 2023-24 and (ii) 2024-25.

The Ministry of Justice funds a range of support services for victims and survivors of sexual violence.In financial year (FY) 2023-24, the Ministry of Justice provided funding of £38,907.75 to Survivors Trust Helpline (grant funding ended on 30 June 2023), £244,887.00 to the National Male Survivor Helpline, and £2,522,082.32 to the national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales.In FY 2024-25, the Ministry of Justice has allocated £244,887.00 to the National Male Survivor Helpline, and £2,751,465.85 to the national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales. The Survivors Trust Helpline was not funded by the Ministry of Justice in FY 2024-25. The actual grant funding amounts provided in FY 2024-25 will not be confirmed until after the FY ends, as actual spend may differ from that which is forecast.

What proportion of domestic abusers perpetrated further crimes in prison in (a) 2022, (b) 2023, and (c) 2024.

It is not possible to robustly calculate the number of domestic abusers in prison or their reoffending rate. This is because these crimes are recorded under the specific offences for which they are prosecuted, such as intentional strangulation or suffocation. Data relating to crimes in prison is held across police referral and adjudication records. To be able to identify these cases we would have to access and review all potentially relevant records which would be of disproportionate cost.The Public Protection Policy Framework and the Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service work to protect victims and prevent offenders, such as domestic abusers, from continuing to carry out crimes such as stalking or coercive controlling behaviour from prison.

How many domestic abusers are serving prison sentences in England and Wales.

It is not possible to robustly calculate the number of domestic abusers in prison or their reoffending rate. This is because these crimes are recorded under the specific offences for which they are prosecuted, such as intentional strangulation or suffocation.This Government is prioritising public protection from, and rehabilitation for, this cohort through measures such as better training for probation officers and improved use of monitoring technology. We have also recently introduced Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, which brings together the strongest elements of existing orders to protect victims.This Government also ensured that a range of offences linked to domestic abuse have been excluded from the early release programme, unlike the scheme run by the previous Conservative Government. We have set out an unprecedented mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, using every tool available to us to deliver transformative change.