Model Letter to MPs

Dear

As you are probably aware the Offender Management Bill has now left Committee and is expected to reach Report and Third Reading Stage on 28th February. As someone who works in the Probation Service, I remain convinced that the Bill, if implemented, will erode local accountability, compromise public protection and will lead to more not less re-offending. It effectively abolishes the National Probation Service and replaces it with a fragmented market of multiple suppliers.

I understand that Neil Gerrard MP has put down amendments for the Report Stage, supported by many other backbenchers, to exclude core Probation tasks from privatisation and fragmentation. Other amendments, to ensure that commissioning takes place at a local level, that national collective bargaining is retained, and that any provider of probation services has a duty to train staff will also be tabled in due course. I would be grateful if you would consider supporting these amendments.

In the event of the Bill reaching Third Reading substantially unamended, I would ask you to consider voting against it.

Probation Centenary EDM

You may be aware, that the Probation Service has reached it’s Centenary this year. A number of events to celebrate this have been planned. Members of the cross-Party Justice Unions Parliamentary Group have tabled a congratulatory Early Day Motion - EDM 833: This says: “That this House congratulates the National Probation Service on its 100 year anniversary, and its contribution to local communities in rehabilitating offenders; and believes firmly that it has a vital role to play as a properly-funded public service for the long-term future.” I would be most grateful if you would consider adding your name to this EDM.

I would be pleased to meet you to discuss this further before the Report Stage if you think this would be helpful.

Best wishes etc.