The case for a huge expansion of electronic monitoring using GPS was unproven, but the Ministry of Justice pursued an overly ambitious and high risk strategy anyway. Ultimately it has not delivered.
The NAO acknowledges the vital role played by inspectorates but identifies inconsistency in the extent to which they are independent of government and in their reporting arrangements, which can limit their impact.
The MoJ is on track to make significant and quick reductions in its spending on civil legal aid. But it is less clear to what extent it has met its objective of targeting legal aid at those who need it most.
There is no collective understanding of what type of oversight is appropriate and cost effective for different types of arm’s length bodies.
This Departmental Overview is one of 17 we are producing covering our work on each major government department. It summarises our work on the Ministry of Justice during 2013-14.
Major changes are being made to the criminal justice system, however much remains to be done to tackle inefficiency within the system.
The National Audit Office has today published a review, which summarizes the main elements of the reform currently under way in the probation sector, and identifies the key issues now facing those involved in probation.
Probation services have been restructured on time and within cost targets during a period of major change but operational problems and risks to further service transformation need to be resolved if re-offending levels are to reduce.
This Departmental Overview is one of 17 we have produced covering our work on each major government department. It summarises our work on the Home Office 2012-13.
The current strategy for the prison estate has provided good quality accommodation, but has resulted in the closure of several prisons that were performing well.
The Home Office has made slower progress than expected in managing foreign national offenders, despite increased resources and tougher powers.
This Departmental Overview is one of 17 we are producing covering our work on each major government department. It summarises our work on the Ministry of Justice during 2012-13.
Review of a sample of the data systems underpinning the input and impact indicators in the Ministry of Justice’s Business Plan, Common Areas of Spend and wider management information.
This review was carried out on the 2012-15 Business Plan. Revised Business Plans were issued in June 2013.
Police forces have successfully reduced costs since 2011, but do not have a clear understanding of the demands placed upon them or of the factors that affect their costs.
Review of a sample of the data systems underpinning the input and impact indicators in the Home Office’s Business Plan, Common Areas of Spend and wider management information.
This review was carried out on the 2012-15 Business Plan. Revised Business Plans were issued in June 2013.
Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, has today qualified the accounts of the Youth Justice Board (YJB).
The Emergency Services Network is one of the most technologically advanced systems worldwide and is set to replace the existing emergency services communication system, Airwave. However several risks have been highlighted.
The NAO has prepared this briefing for the Justice Select Committee in support of its inquiry into women offenders. The briefing looks specifically at the new funding arrangements for women’s centres in the community, which have been funded partly by the Ministry of Justice, the National Offender Management Service, and partly by probation trusts since 2009.
Police forces in England and Wales could make savings by working together to improve their buying power for essential goods and services
The Ministry of Justice hosted a consultation on proposals outlined in Transforming Rehabilitation – a revolution in the way we manage offenders.
The NAO has responded to this consultation (February 2013).