The UK’s top probation officers’ union says the government must act boldly or risk worsening the growing prison crisis.
Ian Lawrence, general secretary of Napo, warned that sentencing reforms by former Justice Secretary David Gauke could fail without stronger investment in probation services. He supports scrapping short prison sentences for low-risk offenders and replacing them with tougher community orders.
However, he stressed that probation officers already face unmanageable workloads and warned that more budget cuts will increase pressure. “Sentencing reform won’t work without proper support,” Lawrence said, urging the government to provide real backing. The Ministry of Justice admits probation services are under major strain. A spokesperson called it a “crisis.”
The government plans to recruit 1,300 probation officers, boost technology use, and focus on high-risk offenders.
Officials say these efforts will reduce reoffending, ease staff pressure, and improve public safety. Gauke is likely to propose scrapping short jail terms in his upcoming sentencing review.
That review comes as prisons struggle with record overcrowding. The number of inmates is nearing capacity.
In a recent report, Gauke warned that England and Wales could run out of prison space early next year. The final version of the review is due this month, ahead of the government’s June budget announcement. Lawrence said Napo backs efforts to reduce prison numbers but insisted on proper investment in probation services.
He urged ministers to stop delaying and make bold funding decisions to prevent further damage.
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