April 1, 2010: Community Payback Extended
Offenders sentenced to community payback will face what the government argues are even tougher and more intense punishments, according to Justice Secretary Jack Straw.
The intensive community payback sentence requires all unemployed offenders sentenced to more than 200 hours of community payback to complete their punishment intensively. Offenders will be expected to work three days a week and do a minimum of 18 hours every week clearing undergrowth, picking-up litter, renovating community centres and cleaning up graffiti for local communities.
The extension of intensive community payback follows its introduction in January 2009 for possession of a knife as part of the government's Tackling Knife Crime Programme and implementation in October for a more limited range of offences when offenders are unemployed and sentenced to 200 hours or more of community payback. Community sentences that effectively punish offenders in the community and address offenders' behaviour can get right to the heart of the offending; the sentences provide robust punishment and restrict liberty for individuals in order to change patterns of behaviour in often chaotic lifestyles.
The rate of reoffending by offenders following a short custodial sentence is 59.9%. These short sentences can lead to problems with employment, housing and family relations and there is insufficient time to tackle the causes of the offender's behaviour. The reoffending rate following a community sentences is 36.1%.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw commented:
'Offenders sentenced to 'pay' for their crimes within the community can already expect to work hard and lose much of their free time. But the government also wants to see tougher and more effective community-based sentences.'
'The intensive community payback sentence announced today ensures that tough community sentences, which are credible in the eyes of the public, are available to deal with less serious offenders. Community-based punishments are proven to be more effective at reducing re-offending than short term prison sentences'.
Last year over 62,000 offenders successfully completed community payback sentences in England and Wales. It is estimated that over eight million hours of free labour were provided to benefit communities by offenders sentenced to community payback. Community payback does not replace paid employment - most of the work done would not be possible without the free labour provided by offenders. The additional work they do to make reparation for their crimes was valued at over £48 million last year, if paid at minimum wage.