Community Justice Bill passes stage one amid concerns it does not go far enough

Plans to strengthen the community justice system in Scotland have passed stage 1 at the Scottish Parliament amid concerns the measures are too “timid”.

The Community Justice (Scotland) Bill lays the groundwork for a new model intended to support an increase in the use of community sentences, a reduction in the use of short prison sentences and improved prospects for offenders returning to their communities.

These improvements are part of the Scottish government’s commitment to reform of penal policy in Scotland and wider approach to promoting social justice and tackling inequality.

The aim is to reduce reoffending and move away from ineffective short term prison sentences, in favour of more effective community sentences.

The bill received broad support from the Justice Committee during the stage 1 debate.

It gives responsibility for planning and monitoring community justice services to local partners who will be accountable for successful delivery.

The bill will also require a national strategy and performance framework for community justice to be developed, and create a national body to provide leadership, promote innovation and give assurance on improved outcomes for Scotland’s communities.

Opening the debate Community Safety and Legal Affairs Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “I welcome the committee’s endorsement for the need to improve community justice and its broad support for the general principles of the bill.

“We have worked closely with stakeholders over the last three years to design this new model which puts decision making into the hands of people who know their communities best and understand the problems that are unique to their area. These local arrangements will be complemented by leadership at a national level with the creation of new public body Community Justice Scotland.

“I believe the proposals contained within the Community Justice Bill will deliver more effective community justice in Scotland’s communities, through stronger leadership and better strategic direction.”

Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: “Although Scottish Liberal Democrats support the general principles of the bill, significant changes are needed if we are to support it further.

“More Scots are behind bars per head of population than in almost any other nation in Western Europe. Punishment and retribution have dominated penal policy for far too long and do nothing to reduce reoffending levels, the economic and social costs of which are immense.

“It is vital that community justice arrangements are strengthened and I urge the government to heed the warnings of criminal justice voluntary sector organisations and others who have raised concerns about the bill. As currently drafted it is too timid to bring about the dramatic change needed.”