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NAO warns understaffed UK tagging system jeopardizes safety

7/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

National Audit Office warns the UK's tagging system is understaffed and lagging, risking safety as the Ministry of Justice expands monitoring under the Sentencing Act 2026.
Probation officers face a shortfall of about 2,200 staff, expected to fall to 1,500 by September 2026.
Despite a £700 million investment and recruitment of 2,300 trainees plus 1,300, Serco met its 95% timeliness target but fitted tags on only 62% within two attempts.

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Story summary

National Audit Office warns the UK's tagging system is understaffed and lagging, risking safety as the Ministry of Justice expands monitoring under the Sentencing Act 2026.
Probation officers face a shortfall of about 2,200 staff, expected to fall to 1,500 by September 2026.
Despite a £700 million investment and recruitment of 2,300 trainees plus 1,300, Serco met its 95% timeliness target but fitted tags on only 62% within two attempts.