08 September 2000
He wants the SEU to examine ways of tightening control over released prisoners, including probation for those who serve less than a year for crimes such as theft.
Some 90% of those leaving prison have no immediate prospect of getting a job, and 40% are technically homeless. 'By helping ex-prisoners to reintegrate into society, we will prevent more crime and tackle the destabilising effect that reoffending has on communities,' Blair said.
'The SEU has proved itself a powerful tool in developing fresh thinking to tackle some of our most intractable social problems.'
Its next target will be to offer education programmes to help wean offenders away from a life of crime.
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