HC Deb 26 January 2004 vol 417 cc220-1W
John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff employed by the 42 probation areas in England and Wales will be transferred to the National Offenders Management Service Regional Structure; and what their duties will be [147660]

Paul Goggins

In the short term probation staff will continue to be employed by their probation board. It is too early to say how many staff will be needed in the new structure.

Individual probation areas will continue to function as they are for the moment. However, as the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service will assume end to end responsibility for offenders and will contract with providers of services from the public, private and voluntary sector. We have not as yet finalised our view as to the future of the 42 boards within this framework. My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary has, therefore, specifically sought the views of key stakeholders.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps will be taken to ensure that there will not be an increase in the administrative demands on front-line staff following the creation of the National Offenders Management Service; and if he will make a statement. [148165]

Paul Goggins

[holding answer 19 January 2004]1: The Government are committed to the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, particularly in regard to demands on front-line staff. The National Offender Management Service implementation team will seek to reduce the administrative demands on front-line staff wherever possible.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his intention that local probation areas will become an integral arm of the National Offenders Management Service and retain operational freedom; and if he will make a statement. [148166]

Paul Goggins

[holding answer 19 January 2004]Individual probation areas will continue to function as they are for the moment. As the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service will assume end-to-end responsibility for offenders and will contract with providers of services from the public, private and voluntary sector. We have not as yet finalised our view as to the future of the 42 boards within this framework. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has, therefore, specifically sought the views of key stakeholders.