Probation services will be renationalised after bosses slammed ‘irredeemably flawed’ system

THE PROBATION Service will be renationalised after it was described by bosses as “irredeemably flawed”, it has been reported.

The supervision of thousands of offenders will return to the National Probation Service within the coming weeks, The Daily Mirror reports.

Privatisation began in 2013 and the reforms, introduced by Chris Grayling, are thought to have cost taxpayers almost £500m.

It’s also been blamed for an increase in murders committed by criminals. Dame Glenys Stacey, the Chief Inspector of Probation, has previously described the current model as “irredeemably flawed” and told MPs this week that the system has “deep-seated, systemic issues”.

Harry Fletcher, of the Victims’ Rights Campaign, told the Daily Mirror: “The original reforms were rushed through without due consideration of their risk assessments and it’s been a disaster. The new reforms must be good for victims.”

Justice Secretary David Gauke is said to be planning to announce the changes soon, and he is also expected to hand some treatment programme work to charities.

There will also be an increase in the use of satellite technology to monitor criminals.

A total of 225 people have been murdered by convicted criminals being monitored by firms since privatisation.

The toll soared to 71 last year from 42 in 2015, shortly after Mr Grayling introduced the changes.

The MoJ told the paper: “We will set out our plans shortly.”

• GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk.