For more detailed information and direct feedback from our team,
For more detailed information and direct feedback from our team,
Introduction
The bail accommodation support services scheme will allow courts to bail defendants who are currently unable to provide a bail address or who could not be bailed without support. It will also provide accommodation and support for offenders who are nearing the end of their sentence and are eligible to be released on Home Detention Curfew (HDC) on a tag from prison and therefore ready to be rehabilitated back into their community.
Why has the scheme been introduced?
The scheme has been introduced to take people out of prison who do not need to be there. This builds on the presumption of innocence for those who have not yet had their cases heard and also on a presumption that bail should be approved where possible.
The scheme was initiated in response to surveys undertaken by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) that identified a need from sentencers for additional bail accommodation and support for defendants who could otherwise be bailed if accommodation was made available. It was introduced on Monday 18 June 2007 to enable the courts and prison governors to make greater use of bail and early release on a strict curfew.
This accommodation will also reduce the loss of liberty and consequent damaging impacts on family life, employment and housing. It will support the efficient use of public resources, saving on prison places where a stay in prison in not necessary, court escorts and costs of visits to prisons.
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In December 2007 Lord Keith Bradley was asked by the Government to undertake an independent review to determine to what extent offenders with mental health problems or learning disabilities could be diverted from prison to other services and what were the barriers to such diversion.
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