Criminals could fill potholes and clean bins under new government proposals to expand unpaid community work. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is leading the plan, which aims to toughen community sentences while reducing prison overcrowding.
The government wants probation teams to coordinate with local councils. Councils would then assign offenders to high-impact public tasks, such as road repair and waste collection. Private firms may also use offenders for similar jobs, with all pay directed to victim support funds.
Criminals could fill potholes and clean bins as part of a broader shift in sentencing policy. A government source said prisons are nearing collapse, and more punishment must happen outside prison walls. They argued that visible, unpaid labour would send a clear message: crime doesn’t pay.
Mahmood believes current community sentences are too soft. In an article, she described herself as a firm supporter of law and order. She argued that effective community orders can be tough and publicly beneficial.
The announcement follows severe warnings about the UK’s prison capacity. Former Justice Secretary David Gauke will soon release a sentencing review. His interim findings suggest prisons could run out of space by early next year. He may propose scrapping short jail terms in favour of more community-based punishments.
Mahmood agreed bold choices are needed. She pointed to the U.S. model in Texas, where early release rewards good behaviour and bad conduct leads to extended time. She believes a similar approach could help address overcrowding and improve public safety.
Criminals could fill potholes and clean bins under reforms linked to a £4.7 billion investment in the prison estate. Despite plans to build more prisons, the government is also releasing over 1,000 inmates early to free space. This decision has sparked criticism from the opposition.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the plan weak and dangerous. He said the early releases betray public trust and fail to put safety first.
The government insists these community roles will deliver real consequences for offenders while helping repair the damage done.
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