NOMS regions
Advice, Finance, Benefits and Debt Pathway Group
The Wales Advice, Finance, Benefits and Debt Pathway Group is one of nine sub-groups that are taking forward the Joining Together in Wales strategy.
This group has been established to take forward the aims of the Advice, Finance, Benefits and Debt pathway in Joining Together in Wales (new window), the joint NOMS Wales and Welsh Assembly Government strategy to reduce re-offending, which are:
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To ensure that all offenders leaving custody have access to clear advice and information about benefits available to them and their families
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To ensure that prison and probation staff keep up to date about what benefits and other assistance are available to offenders in the community, prisoners and their families, in order to assist them with their claims
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To work in partnership with voluntary and community services, as well as statutory organisations, to improve access for all prisoners and ex-offenders to financial services, including advice about finances, benefits and dealing with debt
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To put in place measures to reduce the level of debt that prisoners may accrue while in custody
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To ensure that offenders leaving custody have sufficient funds to maintain themselves, particularly while seeking work or awaiting benefits
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In the longer-term, develop a strategic approach to increase the number of long-term prisoners who are able to save money during their time in custody so they have sufficient income on release to cover them, without recourse to the Discharge Grant or the Social Fund
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To ensure all young people aged 16 to 18 supervised by the Youth Offending Team are provided with information and advice to be able to access appropriate financial support. There should be a special emphasis on those serving custodial sentences.
