Commentary on Sections Part 1: Probation Services Section 8: Annual plans
54.Section 8 sets out the requirements for annual plans.
55.Subsection (1) requires the Secretary of State, at least once a year, to consult Welsh Ministers and such other person as he thinks fit about the probation provision to be made the following year. It is envisaged that the other persons consulted will include stakeholders at regional and local level, such as sentencers, providers of probation services, providers of custodial services, other criminal justice agencies, local authorities and bodies involved in the provision of services which contribute to the reduction of re-offending.
56.Subsection (2) requires the Secretary of State, before the end of each year, to publish an annual plan for the following year setting out how he proposes to ensure that sufficient probation provision is made.
57.Subsection (3) requires the Secretary of State to have regard to the plan in discharging his functions.
58.Subsection (4) states that arrangements made by the Secretary of State with a probation trust shall require the trust to publish its own annual plan.
59.Subsection (5) states that arrangements with a provider other than a trust may also require that provider to publish an annual plan if the Secretary of State thinks fit.
60.Subsection (6) defines “annual plan” and “specified activities” and subsection (7) defines a “year”.