Last night (16 July), Colchester Borough Council joined the growing number of local authorities discussing the implications of the government's Probation privatisation plans for their areas. Liberal Democrat councillors joined the Labour Group in voting for a motion calling on the government to halt the privatisation of Probation and restore it as a fully integrated public service once again. Only Conservative members of the Council voted against and the following motion was carried
'This Council beleives that the Government's changes to Probation services in England and Wales are detrimental to community safety, have no evidence based research at their root.
Before its abolition Essex Probation was one of 4 award winnign Probation Trusts in the UK, delivering an excellent standard of service, meeting all of its performance targets, reducing reoffending year on year and protecting victism. Its highly trained, committed and motivated staff group ensured a joined up approach to community safety; working in partnership with this council, Community Safety Partnership, the Police and a host of statutory and voluntary support services. The split is a move that is not supported by staff or by unions who feel that it is untested and dangerous.
This Council calls on the Government and Opposition in Westminster to halt the privatisation of Probation and restore it as a fully integrated public service once again.'