Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to review the provision by community rehabilitation companies and the not for profit sector of probation services.

I am clear that public, private and voluntary sector providers all have an important role to play in probation. In developing arrangements for the future of probation after current contracts for Community Rehabilitation Companies expire, we are reflecting carefully on the balance of public, private and voluntary sector in delivering probation services. This includes ensuring we harness the dedication and commitment of the voluntary sector to rehabilitate offenders and reduce reoffending. We will set out more detailed plans shortly.