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Probation services to be outsourced

Private sector firms will take on probation services on a “payment by results” basis, the Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has said.

Outsourcing of the probation service, for the majority of offenders is anticipated by 2015 as Mr Grayling told Radio 4’s Today programme there was nobody better placed to offer offenders help than a former offender turned good.

Mr Grayling said he didn’t expect to see an “overnight” turnaround in reoffending figures, but hoped to see a gradual improvement.

Private sector organisations will be commissioned at a national level and delivered on a regional basis, Mr Grayling said.

Mr Gayling told the House of Commons: “In government sometimes you need to believe in something and do it.”

Jim Bligh, CBI Head of Public Services, said: “Opening up probation services to the best of the public, private and voluntary sectors is the most effective way to help reduce reoffending.

“The fact that the new system will now also cover rehabilitation for offenders serving fewer than 12 months will make it more effective in helping prevent offenders from falling back into crime.

“A payment by results approach will deliver value for taxpayers and the Government must now ensure the right framework is in place so these reforms achieve their potential.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .