Jail population to be reduced by 3,000

The department’s spending on resources, capital projects and administration will be cut by 23, 50 and 33 per cent respectively as it makes average savings of six per cent a year.

In a statement, the Treasury said: “The Government will reform the sentencing framework so that it both punishes the guilty and rehabilitates offenders more effectively.”

The chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association, Colin Moses, said: “If these savings bring about further reductions in the number of front line staff I fear for the security and safety of the professional men and women of the service.”