Reoffending on Probation

22 Apr

Question

The question session in the House of Commons focused on reoffending by individuals on probation, emphasizing the integration of health and rehabilitation services into the criminal justice system to effectively lower reoffending rates. The debate evolved around acknowledging the compassion and dedication of probation staff while underscoring the structural issues, such as the pressures faced by the current system and the necessity for reforms.

Significant measures were outlined to address these challenges:

1,300 probation officers

Number of new officers to be recruited by March 2026 to reduce workloads.

Recruitment and Technology: A commitment to recruit 1,300 new probation officers by 2026 was highlighted to alleviate the workload and provide better oversight of offenders. Additionally, an investment of £8 million into new administrative technology was presented as a strategy to streamline probation officers' duties, allowing them more time for direct engagement with offenders.

Health and Rehabilitation Collaboration: Discussion underscored the integration of services with the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, aimed at supporting offenders with complex health issues through enhanced rehabilitation programs. This includes a £310 million grant for local authorities to improve these services, facilitating offenders' smooth transition back to society while maintaining their treatment regimens.

£8 million

Allocated for new technology investments to manage administrative duties in probation services.

Sentencing Review: An independent sentencing review was announced to address systemic issues within the probation system. This comes in response to the concerning statistic that prisons in England and Wales are operating at 98% capacity, exacerbating reoffending risks post-release and costing the system £18 billion annually.

Overall, the debate set a focused yet comprehensive roadmap towards addressing reoffending through interdepartmental collaboration and resource investment, albeit highlighting the inherited challenges from past mismanagement.

£310 million

Targeted grants by DHSC for local authorities to improve offender rehabilitation services.

98%

Current prison capacity utilization, raising reoffending concerns.

£18 billion annually

Cost of reoffending in England and Wales to the criminal justice system.

Outcome

The outcomes of the debate included reinforced commitments from the government to invest substantially in the probation system, drive reforms with new officer recruits, and improve offender support processes. The conclusion was characterized by a consensus on the necessity for ongoing departmental collaboration to effectively tackle the root causes of reoffending, particularly among socially marginalized individuals.

Key Contributions

Perran Moon

Labour

Raised the need for integrated support focusing on complex health and social issues faced by reoffenders.

Sir Nicholas Dakin

Acknowledged the value of probation staff and the pressure they face.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

Conservative

Highlighted the implications of overcrowded prisons on reoffending and financial costs.

Original Transcript

Perran Moon

Camborne and Redruth

Lab

Question

UIN: 903765

9. What steps her Department is taking to help reduce levels of reoffending by people on probation.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice

Sir Nicholas Dakin

14:55

I take this opportunity to recognise the excellent work that our probation staff do day in, day out. Probation is an indispensable part of the criminal justice system, but the service currently faces significant pressures.

That is why we will recruit a further 1,300 probation officers by March 2026, invest £8 million in new technology to reduce administrative tasks for officers and focus efforts on reducing reoffending.

Perran Moon

15:01

May I take this opportunity to wish you a belated Pask lowen, Mr Speaker? Reoffenders are among the most socially excluded in society and often experience complex mental health and social issues, including drug and alcohol addiction.

We know that perpetually locking them up does not work and costs a fortune.

Can the Minister reassure me that he is working with both the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that wraparound detox and rehabilitation support is available, such as that offered by Bosence Farm in Cornwall?

Sir Nicholas Dakin

14:59

Yes, I can reassure my hon. Friend.

We work with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office to get offenders into treatment at the earliest opportunity, and have increased the use of drug rehabilitation requirements as well as improved links to ensure that prison leavers stay in treatment on release.

In 2025-26, the DHSC is providing £310 million in additional targeted grants to enable local authorities, including Cornwall, to improve services.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

North Cotswolds

Con

Because our prisons are running at about 98% capacity, not only are existing prisoners more likely to reoffend but, sadly, as we allow more prisoners to be released early, more people on probation will do so.

Apart from the terrible effect on victims, the Ministry itself estimates that this costs a staggering £18 billion a year in England and Wales. What is the Minister’s policy to help reduce reoffending?

Sir Nicholas Dakin

We have only just taken over a system that was struggling under the weight of 14 years of mismanagement, and we are doing our very best to get on top of it. We have set in train an independent sentencing review, and are committed to appointing 1,300 new probation officers by this time next year.

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