Labour condemns 'failing' probation reforms as growing numbers of offenders sent back to prison

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. He said: “This sharp rise in the number of prisoners being recalled to prison not only demonstrates how our prisons and probation system are failing to rehabilitate people, but it is placing a severe strain on an already overcrowded prison system that is close to breaking point. “But we now have a situation where far too many are being recalled for minor breaches, which is further burdening prisons and destroying any progress that offenders are making in turning their lives around.” A joint report from HM Inspectorate of Probation and HM Inspectorate of Prisons last year concluded that nowhere near enough was being done to help prisoners under the privatisation of probation services. “It is just heaping pressure on the already overcrowded prisons and it’s dumping people in this violent and chaotic environment then turning them out into the community.” Mr Neilson added: “This is not helpful at a time when prisons are struggling to even put up the image that they are a safe environment.” It comes as one charity working to help prisoners coming out of jail said their work was being hampered by budget cuts. Trustee and former local councillor, David Abrahams said: “Those living in high unemployment areas, particularly throughout the former East Durham Coalfield, often aren’t able to access life’s chances and drift into a life of drugs and alcohol abuse.” An MoJ spokesman said: “Offenders on licence are subject to a strict set of licence conditions and supervision on release.