Give us the freedom to tackle reoffending, says Greater Manchester Mayor

Tony Lloyd

Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has called for GM to be given the freedom and flexibility from the government to reduce reoffending in Greater Manchester.

He made the remarks following inspectorates’ criticisms of the government’s flagship ‘Through the gates’ policy intended to reduce reoffending through improved rehabilitation.

Mr Lloyd said: “The government has got to listen to this report. As we negotiate our justice devolution terms, I’m calling on the government to give us the freedom and flexibility needed to work more effectively with partner agencies to tackle reoffending.

“We’re committed to being - and we already are - forerunners in this area, pushing boundaries and testing innovative new approaches. We’re already seeing some excellent results on the back of our trailblazing work with women offenders but it relies on solid partnership working at a local level, and local probation services need to be free to do this.”

Justice devolution will strengthen the work Greater Manchester is already doing to deliver effective local justice and reduce offending. It will give Greater Manchester more powers to drive forward important improvements by more closely integrating health, education and accommodation, with police, Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, prisons, and probation services.

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, the Combined Authority, the Ministry of Justice, the National Offender Management Service, the Youth Justice Board and other partner agencies are currently working together to agree what justice devolution will look like and what will be implemented from April 2017 and beyond.