Drop in number of convicts gaining SQA qualifications, claim Lib Dems

The number of qualifications obtained by prisoners in Scotland has fallen.

Research by the Liberal Democrats revealed the number of SQA qualifications gained by offenders dropped by 21 per cent from 4,789 in 2013-14 to 3,806 in 2015-16.

The party said the figures, obtained using freedom of information legislation, demonstrated a need for a “culture shift” in Scottish prisons.

Justice spokesman Liam Mcarthur said the drop was concerning and called for a review of purposeful activi- 0 Concern: Liam Mcarthur of the Liberal Democrats ty for prisoners. He said: “We need to get to the bottom of why people aren’t taking the opportunity, or getting the opportunity, to get on in life.

“The Scottish Government must also ensure that the SPS has the resources it needs to deliver personal development programmes that will ultimately reduce crime, make our communities safer and save money in the future.

“Meaningful reform that focuses on transforming people’s life chances and effective rehabilitation is long overdue.”

An SPS spokeswoman said: “While the number of those completing SQA qualifications has dropped recently, the number of vocational and employment-related qualifications has risen, as has the average number of purposeful activity hours per week per individual.”