Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he plans to announce proposals for the future of the probation system.

Last year, we announced our decision to end current Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) contracts early. Following this, we launched a consultation, Strengthening Probation, Building Confidence, and engaged with stakeholders and the market on the future of the probation system.

We are currently considering options for future delivery arrangements and reflecting carefully on the balance of public, private and voluntary sector involvement. It is important that we take the time to get this decision right. We will aim to publish a formal response to our consultation, detailing our future plans later this year.