Community Justice Bill passes stage 1

The Scottish Government's Community Justice (Scotland) Bill was given an unopposed passage at stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

The bill proposes a new model for supervision of offenders in the community, designed 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.

There are agreed to be problems with the present arrangements, introduced in 2007, but in its stage 1 report on the bill the Justice Committee recorded a lack of enthusiasm among witnesses for the proposals (click here for report).

In the Parliament yesterday, Conservative and Liberal Democrat members said there would have to be changes if the bill was to receive their continued support. Conservative spokesperson Margaret Mitchell critiicised the bill's narrow approach in not allowing for a greater focus on prevention and early intervention. For the Liberal Democrats, Alison McInnes said much more needed to be done to "strengthen strategic leadership and accountability".

Replying, Minister Paul Wheelhouse said prevention was dealt with by other policies outwith the justice system, but he undertook to revisit the definition of community justice.

He commented: “I have already signalled to the committee some areas where we are planning to amend our proposals in response to engagement with stakeholders, such as in a more formal recognition of the role of the third sector. I look forward to continuing our work with partners and other interested organisations as this important bill makes its way through the parliamentary process.”