Prison and probation services will be bought together under a new National Offender Management Service to be established in June, home secretary David Blunkett announced, writes Clare Jerrom.

The creation of the body follows recommendations in an independent review of correctional services, and will ensure that any progress in prison is followed through in the community.

Reducing high reoffending rates is the overall aim of the new service, but NOMS will also be responsible for improving the enforcement and credibility of community punishments and raising educational standards among offenders.

The commissioner for correctional services, Martin Narey, has been appointed chief executive of the new service and will be “held explicitly accountable for reducing re-offending”. Narey said he thought a 10 per cent reduction in re-offending rates could be achieved.

As commissioner, Narey had oversight of the Youth Justice Board in addition to prison and probation services. He will continue to oversee the board, although it will remain a separate correctional agency.

'Reducing Crime, Changing Lives’ is due to be at www.homeoffice.gov.uk