24
Accepted
Reduced probation supervision for lower-risk offenders risks increasing reoffending without enhanced third-sector support.
Recommendation
HMPPS’s planned changes to the scope of the Probation Service are likely to reduce probation supervision for many offenders assessed as at a lower risk of harm and reoffending.55 Written evidence from the Prison Reform Trust highlighted that low risk individuals often have higher rates of identified need, including housing, mental health and drug treatment and financial support. It warned that if the needs of these individuals are not met, their risk profile could increase overtime, adding further pressure to the service.56 Probation practitioners can draw on contracted-out Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS) to support offenders’ rehabilitative needs. HMPPS’s plans are likely therefore to require increased support from its CRS contracts and other third sector organisations.57
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee’s recommendation that HMPPS's plans will require increased support from CRS contracts and other third-sector organisations, setting a target implementation date of October 2026 and committing to provide an update.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2026 MoJ and HMPPS will write to the Committee as requested to provide an update on the above points.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
65th Report - Efficiency and resilience of the Probation Service
04 Feb 2026
HC 1235
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.5 yr
Report published
04 Feb 2026