February 2, 2005: Investing in Probation

Probation Boards in England and Wales will receive an average 10.7 per cent budget increase in the next financial year, Prisons and Probation Minister Paul Goggins announced today. The increase for individual boards ranges from 7.7 per cent to 16.5 per cent and reflects the varying workloads in individual areas.

This increased funding will ensure that the growing effectiveness of community penalties will continue, and will compliment the ongoing recruitment of about 2000 new Probation staff. The total allocation to Probation for 2005/2006 is £945m compared to £865m for 2004/2005.

Just over £620m, compared to £560m in 2004/05, is being allocated between the 42 local probation boards. The remaining money, just over £300m, will be allocated centrally. The central allocation will cover probation's core delivery such as: modernising Approved Premises (hostels), improving staff training and performance bonuses and the continuation of special funding for metropolitan areas.

Making the announcement, Paul Goggins said:

"The National Offender Management Service, underpinned by a balanced approach to sentencing, is beginning to make a real difference. While dangerous and sexual offenders are going to prison for longer, minor offenders are being diverted to community penalties – which are more robust than ever before. As a result, the growth of the prison population has slowed and we are now making this huge investment to ensure better and more effective supervision of offenders in the community. This will mean more effective community sentences and more intensive supervision of those released from prison."