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Councils should play a greater role in the criminal justice system, according to a report released today at a conference in Gateshead.

The report by the International Centre for Prison Studies at King’s College, London, says local authorities are best placed to coordinate services including housing education and health, which are key to prisoner rehabilitation.

The report recommends that councils take a lead role in the resettlement of short term prisoners and a stronger link between probation services and local authorities in provision of unpaid work sentences.

It also says neighbourhood justice centres should be based in areas with highest concentrations of need.