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A review of benefit sanctions

This study examines international evidence on sanctions within welfare systems where benefits are conditional on claimant behaviour. It considers the impact of sanctions, the wider literature on how they have been used and the experiences of claimants. It also discusses how this evidence relates to political justifications given in support of sanctions.

User views of punishment: the comparative experience of short prison sentences and community based punishments

Scotland is currently engaged in one of the biggest penal reform projects in a generation, seeking to fundamentally change its approach to punishment, which is characterised by high use of imprisonment compared to other parts of Europe, and the use of very short prison sentences. In Scotland around three quarters of prison sentences handed down by the courts are for six months or less. But because short sentences are seen as minimally intrusive compared to long-term or life sentences, there has been, until now, little research on their effects.

Providing personalised support to rough sleepers: an evaluation of the City of London pilot

This report evaluates a pilot project offering personalised budgets to rough sleepers in the City of London. The report presents the outcomes of the pilot for individuals involved, in terms of accommodation, support needs and quality of life; explores how the personalised approach, the personalised
budget and other factors contributed to these outcomes; explores common stages in the journeys that people made from the streets and into accommodation; and considers the sustainability of outcomes and possibilities for replication and expansion.

Transition through detention and custody: arrangements for learning and skills for young people in custodial or secure settings

The report evaluates the range and effectiveness of the arrangements for education and training for several categories of young people: those identified for their likelihood of offending; young offenders who move into custodial establishments then are transferred between different establishments while in custody; and those who move between custody and the community. The report illustrates good practice and makes recommendations for improvement.

Influencing public behaviour to improve health and wellbeing: an independent report

Report on how government deals with the challenge of helping people to make different choices about their health. It focuses on building current approaches, using the latest evidence from areas such as behavioural economics and psychology, to suggest ways in which the government could become more effective in this area, to help people to make healthier choices where they wish to do so.