Community justice authorities to be set up in Scotland

Eight new community justice authorities are to “transform” the way Scotland’s high rate of re-offending is tackled, according to the government.

Local councillors will sit on the authorities, which are being set up from today.

The authorities will distribute funding for criminal justice social work services and make sure it is being used effectively.

Other tasks for the authorities will include preparing local joint area plans to tackle re-offending plus monitoring joint working, and supporting information-sharing and dissemination of good practice.