The clocks aren’t the only thing going backwards….

Winter is looming large – the clocks are due to go back at the weekend so we’ll be losing an hour of evening light. Always signals the start of a few dark, damp bleak weeks. And always seems a bit uneccessary in this day and age.

Been watching the news with my usual (un)healthy dose of scepticism all week. Everyone who has an interest in or has worked within the criminal justice system would surely recognise that a review of sentencing is long overdue. The evidence that short-term prison sentences are wholly ineffective in reducing re-offending has been well documented for year. It is also known that England and Wales have higher (and longer) rates of incarceration that almost any comparable country – and let’s face it the US is rarely a bell-weather for anything one would normally want to be compared to.

So with some enthusiasm I am pleased to see the government establishing a review of sentencing and am heartened that the Sectretary of State has highlighted that imprisonment is rarely appropriate for women. Am also fairly pleased that David Gauke is heading up the review – although can’t help but notice that he discovered a much more reforminst zeal when he was no longer Justice Minister than his behaviour as Justice Minister would have anyone believe.

And then was immediately dispirited by the talk of needing ‘tougher community sentences’ and that people should do ‘really hard work’ in the community. It feels all so very early 2000’s again. Why not look at what might be effective rather than looking tough. Tough sentences won’t address any of the systemic failings in our system – the disproprtionately harsh ways in which black communities are policed or sentenced, or the complex needs that most women offenders face, or the appalling reality that some 3000 people sentenced to a now defunct Indeterminate Sentence remain in prison way beyond their tariff.

Significantly of course sounding tough will also do nothing to address the poverty, poor health and lack of opportunity that casts long shadows wherever we look across the system.

This announcement was followed almost immediately by the scheduled ‘early’ release of another 1100 or so prisoners coming to the end of their sentences – including ‘violent criminals and drug dealers’ (all those people we are not supposed to like). I read an interview with a man released 7 weeks early of a 7 year sentence. 7 years is quite some sentence (which he says was deserved) – so I wonder how much more ‘tough’ the remaining 7 weeks might have been, of what positive impact these weeks might have had on his behaviour, or what difference they would have made on his victims sense of justice or anxiety about his release.

So I remain sceptical but hopeful that Gauke et al seize the opportunity to actually look at a fundamental overhaul of the justice system, rediscover a zeal for rehabilitation instead of a thirst for toughness – it will take time but it seems essential to look for real change, to really syudy some of the evidence from places like the Netherlands and to really listen to the experiences of those working within or caught up within the ‘system’.

In other news – tonight is the AGM of the marvellous Brighton based Charity i chair – The Trust for Developing Communities. The 4th I will have hosted as chair. Usually one of the highlights of my work calendar and a real opportunity to recognise and celebrate the impact of staff and commnity members as we strive to make sure the City is an inclusive, thriving and healthy place to live and work. For everyone.

Going to round off the evening with food supplied by Sussex Surplus a great community food project operating locally.

I’m rounding off the evening seeing The Berries start their tour promoting their new album. Appearing at The Prince Albert one of Brighton’s best established grass roots music venues they are described as ‘soaring, fierce and on point’. suspect I’ll be the only one their in a suit……

And of course I’m still revelling in the joys of new puppy ownership and Spurs convincing victory over the Woeful West Spammers.