Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood has expressed concern about the impact of budget cuts within the probation service in Wales.
Figures released to the South Wales Central AM by the probation union, NAPO reveal that the budget for the Wales Probation Trust was trimmed by 4.3 per cent between 2010-11 and 2011-12, with the budget cut by £2,077,000 – down to £52,613,764.
And the predicted budget for 2012-13 is £49,682,000 – a five per cent cut – and in 2113-14 it will fall further – a three per cent reduction, according to NAPO
Leanne Wood, a former probation officer in Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil, said: “A significant number of staff across all grades has been lost in three rounds of voluntary redundancy. Predicted budget cuts suggest a further reduction of staff will be necessary. I understand that the Trust is aiming to try and underspend by £1m this year to fund redundancy payments.
“I also believe that savings of around £1.6m from the estates budget over the next two years is being suggested and this would mean the closure of some offices. This will inevitably lead to further centralisation of services – similar to what we have with magistrates’ courts.”
Leanne Wood added: “I also have concerns that further reductions of staff will lead to less supervision, more breaches of orders and, as a result, an increase in crime. I am concerned that the budget cuts will lead to fewer probation programmes with more offenders sent to jail.”
