The Probation Service in England and Wales is facing severe criticism from Members of Parliament, who have labelled it as 'failing' in the wake of what they describe as an 'alarming' escalation in serious criminal activities perpetrated by offenders under community supervision.
Sharp Rise in Serious Further Offences
According to a comprehensive report, there were 770 offenders charged with committing a 'serious further offence' while on probation during the 2023–24 period. This figure represents a staggering 55 per cent increase compared to the numbers recorded in 2020–21, highlighting a concerning trend in recidivism among those supposedly being monitored.
Deterioration in Risk Assessment Standards
The report further uncovered a dramatic decline in the quality of risk assessments conducted by probation officers. In 2024, adequate risk assessments were carried out in only 28 per cent of cases, a sharp drop from the 60 per cent adequacy rate observed in 2018–19. This significant reduction raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current supervision protocols and the safety of the public.
Performance Decline Since Public Sector Return
The cross-party Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the House of Commons has determined that the performance of the Probation Service has 'deteriorated' since 2021, when probation responsibilities were reintegrated into public sector control. The committee expressed scepticism about the Ministry of Justice's ongoing reform strategy, concluding that it is 'unlikely to be sufficient' to address the deep-seated issues plaguing the service.
Concerns Over Labour's Proposed Reforms
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the chairman of the PAC, voiced apprehensions that Labour's proposed reforms, which include schemes permitting the early release of prisoners, could exacerbate the existing problems. He emphasised that the probation landscape is becoming increasingly challenging for a service already in decline.
'The probation service in England and Wales is failing,' Sir Geoffrey stated. 'Unfortunately, the landscape for probation is not going to become more forgiving for a service which has slipped into decline in recent years, as plans to free up capacity, including with early release schemes, in other parts of the crisis-ridden justice system are likely to increase demand.'
Calls for Transparency and Improvement
The report issued a clear recommendation for HM Prisons and Probation Service to publish an official timetable detailing when it expects to achieve 'meaningful improvements in performance.' This call for greater transparency and accountability underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to restore public confidence and enhance community safety.
The findings paint a troubling picture of a probation system struggling to manage its caseload effectively, with implications for both offender rehabilitation and the protection of society from further harm.
