Probation service 'in meltdown'

Over the next three financial years, services across England and Wales are expecting a reduction of up to 15 per cent as part of budget changes.

Members of the National Association of Probation Officers believe the cuts will make it impossible to fulfil basic duties.

They say the cuts will lead to a deterioration in the standards of supervision and programmes will be shortened, which will compromise public safety.

Members are also worried staff who leave will not be replaced and that voluntary and compulsory redundancies will be introduced.

Secretary of the Sussex branch of Napo said: "The Probation Service is in meltdown.

"These cuts will severely affect our ability to fulfil statutory duties. That in turn will lead to more re-offending and more victims of crime. That cannot be what the government wants."