Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2024 to Question 6326 on Probation Service, what new funding has been allocated to (a) the Probation Service, (b) the Electronic Monitoring Service and (c) support other services provided to offenders in the community, in the context of the early prisoner release scheme.

Recognising the Probation Service’s crucial role in protecting the public and rehabilitation, the Department has committed to funding at least 1,000 additional trainee probation officers by the end of March 2025.

Given the multitude of factors involved, each with its own budget, it is not feasible to isolate a single expense figure for SDS40 borne by the Probation Service. Commercial discussions are ongoing to confirm the level of additional expenditure the electronic monitoring service provider may charge.

Throughout the SDS40 implementation process, HMPPS and partnered agencies have ensured robust support is in place for offenders leaving custody, including continuity of health and substance misuse provision and access to employment, benefits, and accommodation. For example, the Lord Chancellor has authorised probation directors to use alternative arrangements for accommodation which can include budget hotels and B&Bs. This has been funded through reprioritisation of existing budgets. This is a temporary measure and we will ensure all appropriate safeguards are in place.