§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the extent of the funding shortfall for 2002–03 in probation services in(a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) London; what the implications of this are for provision of services in (i) Crown courts and (ii) magistrates' courts; and if he will make a statement. [68117]
§ Mr. Hilary BennFunding for probation services in 2002–03 has increased by five per cent. in England; 5.9 per cent. in West Midlands; and 4.3 per cent. in London1522W over the allocations for the previous year. Some areas are experiencing funding pressures due to increased costs. Following risk assessments and prioritisation, courts may find that they are asked to accept that services may be delivered using different reporting arrangements, but there should be no adverse implications for the delivery of those services to courts.