Sir - Since the publication of the Corston report in 2007, there has been cross-party consensus that the only women who should be in custody are those very few who commit serious and violent crimes and who present a direct threat to the public.

Women prisoners are amongst the most vulnerable. They make around 50% of all self-harm attempts in prisons, although only 5% of the total prison population is female.

All too often, the criminal behaviour of a woman is associated with poverty, domestic abuse, isolation or mental health problems. Moreover, the imprisonment of their mother has a long-term impact on children's educational progress, and on their social and psychological development.

The average annual cost per prisoner is around £37,000.

For the vast majority of women in the criminal justice system, solutions in the community are more appropriate unless absolutely necessary.

Sue Avery

Worcester Green Party