reduding re-offending by
ex-prisoners

Crime can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims. It scars entire communities, and the costs to society as a whole are huge.

When we came into office, we made reducing crime a top priority. We have embarked on a major programme of reform and investment to tackle crime and the causes of crime. So, for example, we have made record investment in the police – £1.6 billion extra by 2003/04 – to deliver the highest ever police numbers, and funded hundreds of local crime-reduction schemes. At the same time, we have massively expanded drug treatment provision to break the link between drugs and crime, and invested in prison education to double the number of educational qualifications achieved by prisoners by the end of next year.