Home Office split confirmed; prisons to fall under Ministry of Justice

The Prime Minister has confirmed plans to split Home Office responsibilities for criminal justice and security between two departments.

Responsibility for prisons, probation and sentencing will move to a new Ministry of Justice, which will also include the current functions of the Department for Constitutional Affairs, such as human rights and legal aid. The Ministry of Justice will also sponsor the Youth Justice Board.

The Home Office is to retain its other existing responsibilities including policing, antisocial behaviour, drugs, and asylum as well as security and counter-terrorism.