The Home Office could be split into two separate security and justice departments under plans expected to be approved by the prime minister today.
Prisons and probation are likely to come under the control of a new ministry of justice that will replace the Department for Constitutional Affairs, while the Home Office would focus on security, terrorism and immigration.
The plans were first mooted in January.
Paul Cavadino, chief executive of criminal justice charity Nacro, said the establishment of a ministry of justice would be an “important step towards achieving a more coherent criminal justice system.”