Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) Bill

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provide for stricter parole requirements for individuals convicted of grievous bodily harm (GBH) offences and above, with a focus on rehabilitative activities, in order to enhance public safety and promote successful reintegration into society.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-

Section One - Amendment to Parole Process

(1) The parole process shall include an evaluation of the offender's risk to public safety, potential for rehabilitation, and willingness to actively participate in rehabilitative activities.

(2) In cases involving indictable offences punishable by a statutory penalty of or statutory maximum of imprisonment for life, not including common law offences with a theoretical maximum penalty of imprisonment for life without a maximum penalty specified in statute, the Parole Board shall impose stricter conditions for parole release, including but not limited to:

(a) Mandatory completion of rehabilitative activities, such as counselling, vocational training, or educational programs, designed to address the causes of the offence and reduce the risk of reoffending.

(b) Close monitoring and supervision during the parole period, including regular reporting to parole officers, adherence to curfews, and restrictions on contact with certain individuals or locations.

(c) Implementation of a structured post-release plan, including suitable accommodation, employment or educational opportunities, and ongoing support services.

(3) Where the Parole Board feels that the risk to the public is too great and have acted within any set guidances pursuant to paragraph 8, they shall be empowered to reject parole for the entirety of the offender’s conviction, in which —

(a) the Parole Board shall notify the official liaison on behalf of the offender of such decision.

(4) Pursuant to paragraph 3, the status of the decision of shall be subject to annual reviews by the Parole Board.

(5) Pursuant to paragraph 3, official liaison on behalf of the offender shall be eligible to submit an appeal against the decision.

(6) Pursuant to paragraph 3, decisions by the Parole Board may be appealed within 21 days from the date the decision is issued.

(7) Pursuant to paragraph 5, all requested appeals must be submitted to the Reconsideration Team and logged.

(8) The Secretary of State shall have the power to set regulations by secondary legislation regarding guidance for the terms of parole rejection.

(9) Regulations set under paragraph 8 shall be subject to negative procedure.

Section Two - Offender Rehabilitation Programs

(1) The Secretary of State shall allocate, at their discretion, the necessary resources to the provision of offender rehabilitation programmes, with specific focus on the offence cited in Section One (2).

(2) Rehabilitation programs shall be evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of the offender, addressing factors such as violence prevention, anger management, substance abuse, and pro-social skills development.

(3) The Secretary of State shall collaborate with relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations, and experts to ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of rehabilitative activities.

Section Three - Extent, Commencement and Short Title

(1) This Act extends to England only.

(2) This Act comes into force six months after receiving Royal Assent.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Parole Requirements (Serious Offences) Act 2023.

This Bill was written by His Grace the Most Honourable Sir /u/Sephronar KG KCT GBE LVO PC MP MSP FRS, the 1st Duke of Hampshire, 1st Marquess of St Ives, 1st Earl of St Erth, 1st Baron of Truro on behalf of His Majesty’s 33rd Government.

Opening Speech:

With the help of this important law, we have a chance to improve public safety, encourage rehabilitation, and guarantee that those convicted of crimes causing great bodily damage or higher face justice for their crimes.

The effect that serious crimes have on the victims and our communities cannot be understated. Such actions create enormous harm, so it is our responsibility to respond with suitable measures. We clearly state that such brutality will not be tolerated in society by enacting tighter parole rules.

The necessity of rehabilitation activities in the parole process is also emphasised by this bill. We must understand that true justice involves not only punishing offenders but also helping them to change for the better. We can address the underlying causes of their behaviour and lower the likelihood that they will commit new crimes by offering tailored programmes, counselling, and skill development.

This law strikes a careful balance between responsibility and recovery. It ensures that people have the chance to restore their life while acknowledging the gravity of the crimes committed. It is our duty to build a society that is more caring, safer, and committed to averting damage in the future.

We show our dedication to the health of our communities by supporting this Bill. We defend the rules of justice, encourage recovery, and give victims solace in knowing their pain wasn't in vain.

Let's unite to approve this necessary law, knowing that we are moving closer to a society that is safer and more inclusive.

This division will end on Friday 4th August at 10pm BST.