26 June 2007
Offenders on community sentences will be made to pay back the planet as well as the community in a new drive to increase the number of unpaid work projects.
Offenders on community sentences will be made to pay back the planet as well as the community in a new drive to increase the number of unpaid work projects that reduce climate change and benefit the environment.
'Planet Payback', launched today (26 June), is an initiative to encourage environmental charities and organisations to contribute to ways in which offenders can help support environmentally friendly projects such as recycling, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and reforestation by engaging in environmentally innovative projects.
Launching the scheme at a seminar in the London Wetland Centre, Justice Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said,
"I am delighted to be here today with organisations that strive to make a difference to our planet. I want us all to start looking ahead and making a difference. That is why we are here today, creating this drive for offenders to take that step and think of our planet before themselves.
"I must also thank the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for their co-operation and support in this initiative. Last year offenders carried out 6.5 million hours of unpaid work which is equivalent to over £34m worth of work free to local authorities, schools, local groups or charities.
"Community Payback schemes were introduced in 2005 to raise the profile of projects carried out by offenders, and to give local people the chance to decide what projects they work on. Today is the next step which should see this work further reduce the carbon footprint in England and Wales."
The seminar today will provide a platform for the environmental voluntary and community sector and local authorities to suggest areas where the National Probation Service can implement community payback projects.
Unpaid Work has been in operation for over 30 years and is one of the Probation Service's most successful interventions. Offenders are sentenced by the courts to perform up to 300 hours of unpaid work for the benefit of the community. Current projects include bringing derelict areas and buildings back into public use, clearing churchyards, country streams and unused allotments, repairing park benches and playground equipment.
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact Joanna Jacobson on 020 7210 8668.
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