LIB DEMS PUT VICTIMS FIRST IN JOINT PRISONER RELEASE MOTION

Warrington Liberal Democrats say domestic abuse victims must come first and foremost in prisoner-release decisions following Monday’s joint Council motion with Labour.

Originally proposed by Councillor Sharon Harris and seconded by Councillor Luke Stuttard, the motion became cross-party after Liberal Democrats accepted Labour amendments, even though some were requested only thirty-five minutes before the meeting.

Councillor Harris said, “We agreed to changes because protecting victims and reassuring residents matters more than party differences. Victims must be informed, supported and protected before offenders are released.

The motion seeks figures on prisoners released into Warrington, tagging requirements, equipment availability, probation staffing and Government resources. It seeks assurances from Warrington’s Safeguarding Adults Board, Community Safety Partnership, Cheshire Police, Probation and housing providers. Information must be shared, risks assessed, exclusion zones considered and breaches addressed promptly. It also calls for transparent Government data on early-released offenders with domestic abuse histories, advance victim notification and support, enhanced risk assessments and safeguarding.

The motion welcomes the new Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse which is a legal requirement that came into force on 6 October. Recording domestic abuse is only the beginning because the information must reach those making decisions about release, supervision, housing and victim protection. These priorities reflect Liberal Democrat national policy, Policing Fit for the Future, which focuses on support for coordinated services, victim support and rehabilitation. Electronic tags cannot replace properly resourced supervision.

Cross-party cooperation is welcome, but the real test is whether these commitments deliver practical protection for Warrington residents. Victims’ safety must remain our first priority.”