Government plans 25% cut in child custodial remands

The news

Inspectors found that between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, 190 children were remanded to custody before being bailed. Of these, 91 involved periods of two weeks or less. The justice secretary launched a white paper last week setting out plans for a 25% reduction in custodial remand for children by the end of this parliament, backed by £5m for community alternatives. Professionals in local authorities, institutions and courts told inspectors that many short-term remands were avoidable.

What's at stake

Two out of every five children in custody are now on remand. Well over half of these children do not go on to receive a custodial sentence. Most children held on remand were in custody for the first time. Some reported being confused and frightened, with few given clear information about why they were being held. One child described watching through his window as another child was stabbed.

The government intends to ensure children awaiting trial or sentencing are not held unless public protection requires it. The inspectorate noted that custodial remand remains an essential part of any justice system, yet short-term use has drawn concern from practitioners across the sector.

The case for

Fewer children would be exposed to violence and trauma inside adult-style prisons. Between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, 65 of the 190 short-term remand cases lasted seven days or less. Replacing these with community alternatives would reduce the number of children experiencing frightening and sometimes violent conditions while adding little to public protection, given that more than half do not ultimately receive custodial sentences.

The case against

Some children may still need secure custody to protect the public. The justice secretary has stated that children should not be held unless public protection requires it, recognising that custodial remand forms an essential part of the justice system. Removing the option entirely for certain cases could leave victims or the wider public at risk where no suitable community measure can guarantee safety.

Why it matters now

If the 25% target is met, the number of children entering custody on remand will fall, with the £5m allocated for community alternatives intended to support the shift. If the target is not met, the current pattern of short-term remands will continue, with the next formal milestone being the end of this parliament.

Further reading

The Guardian

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