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The Home Office has admitted flaws in figures released last year that suggested it had successfully reduced reconviction rates among juvenile offenders by more than 20 per cent.

It last week released a correction to the figures which claimed there had been a 22.5 per cent cut in the reconviction rate of juveniles in 2001 compared to a 1997 base line.

"The figures published last year skewed the result. The actual reduction was 7 per cent, still a significant improvement in performance," a Home Office statement said.


A target was outlined in the 2004 strategic plan to reduce reoffending rates by 5 per cent by 2008, and by 10 per cent in 10 years. The latest figures show a 4.5 per cent reduction in reconviction rates within 12 months among juveniles dealt with in the first quarter of 2001, compared with the same period in 2000.

Prisons minister Paul Goggins said: "There is more to do to meet the challenging targets ahead, but this proves it can be done."