Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Short Sentence Suspension: Probation Service

Tuesday 21 November 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government has increased funding for the probation service by 155 million annually.
  • Crime levels have fallen by 40% since 2010, and reoffending rates have dropped from 32% to 25%.
  • There was a 4.2% increase for band 3 officers, 6.9% for band 4, and 13% for senior probation officers as of 30 September 2023.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from concerns about the capacity and effectiveness of the probation service in managing offenders under community supervision.

Question

I am concerned about the potential impact of suspending short sentences on the probation service. What assessment has been made?

Answer from Alex Chalk

To expand probation capacity, we have increased funding by £155 million a year. We recruited an additional 1,000 trainee officers in 2020-21, 1,500 more the following year, and another 1,500 the year after that. This ensures robust supervision for offenders who pose the highest risk to communities.

Answered
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Q2 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Justice & Courts Community Security
Context

The question is prompted by concerns that the proposed shift in responsibilities will exacerbate existing pressures on the probation service.

Question

Successive Conservative Ministers have allowed the criminal justice system to fall into its current parlous state, making many communities less safe. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that funds intended for prisons will be moved to the probation service to ensure community safety?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Crime levels have fallen by 40% since 2010. Reoffending has dropped from about 32% to about 25%. As we move towards suspended sentence orders, I am engaging with probation service leadership and frontline officers to ensure their workload is manageable and they have the necessary resources.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly address whether prison funding will be redirected to the probation service.

How: Engaging With Probation Service Leadership, Meeting Frontline Officers

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Concerns about increased retail crime and the ability of the probation service to handle such cases.

Question

Retail workers face increasing attacks, with a 24% increase in shoplifting last year. Can the Secretary of State assure us that the probation service can manage retail crime and ensure shop workers are protected?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Those who commit crimes, especially against shop workers, should expect full legal consequences. We can use tags to ensure compliance with stringent requirements, including restrictions on certain areas like shopping precincts. Violations could lead to prison sentences.

Answered
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Q4 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

Concerns about the workload of probation officers and staff attrition rates.

Question

In response to a previous question, it was stated that 1,000 additional probation officers were recruited. However, there are fewer officers now compared to last year, with many leaving due to excessive workloads. Will extended sentences and electronic monitoring simply shift more pressure onto the probation service?

Answer from Alex Chalk

As of 30 September 2023, there was a 4.2% increase for band 3 officers, 6.9% for band 4, and 13% for senior probation officers. The attrition rate is down. We are investing in the probation service to ensure its officers can manage their difficult job effectively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not specify what measures will be taken to address workload pressures and reduce staff departures.

How: Investing In The Probation Service

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