The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales responded on September 3, 2026, to the Ministry of Justice's announcement that the rollout of PAVA, a synthetic pepper spray, at Young Offender Institutions that hold children has been extended. Interim Chair Phil Bowen said the board remains firmly opposed to PAVA in youth custody and called the extension of the trial a step in the wrong direction.

Bowen said there remains a distinct lack of evidence that PAVA reduces violence, prevents reoffending or makes custody safer. He said its use risks significant harm, including eroding trust between children and staff, and that the board is deeply concerned PAVA will disproportionately affect Black boys, neurodivergent children, and those with speech, language and communication needs.

Bowen pointed to the Youth Justice White Paper, which sets out the government's intention to move towards smaller, locally based units staffed by professionals specially trained to work with children with complex needs. He said smaller units are proven to be safer environments where behaviour is far more likely to be de-escalated without harsh, punitive treatment of children.