Reconviction rates lower than claimed

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.”