FUNDING cuts to a charity which reduces the reoffending rates of sex offenders should be reversed, says North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Julia Mulligan and her counterpart in Lincolnshire, Marc Jones, have both written letters to the Justice Minister Rory Stewart, to ensure funding is still provided to Circles of Support and Accountability - an organisation which helps rehabilitate sex offenders when they are released from prison on licence.

The national Circles scheme provides assistance and supervision for sex offenders, and helps to support and protect the wider community when sex offenders are re-integrated into society.

Mrs Mulligan wrote in her letter that the highest risk offenders would receive less support if the cuts were not reversed, essentially putting the public at risk.

She said: “What is of most concern to me is that the Circles most at risk are those supporting high-risk offenders as they require the most concentrated support and investment.

“As such, the impact of this decision is to put at risk not only these individuals trying to rebuild their lives, but possible future victims should they reoffend.”

In his letter, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones said: “I strongly believe that Circles is a powerful and cost-effective way of tackling a growing issue and is exactly the kind of programme that should be attracting more support from Government, not less.”

The Ministry of Justice indicated recently it was reconsidering the decision to withdraw funding, and both Police and Crime Commissioners asked for this to happen as soon as possible.

Mrs Mulligan said: “I hope that in reviewing this decision, the Minister realises the impact that withdrawing funding would have on the vital work carried out by Circles across the country and reverses the decision.

“It is rehabilitation that has been proven to work, provides extremely good value for money and supports communities by ensuring sex offenders released from prison are less likely to reoffend. By coming together, Marc and I hope the Government appreciate the strength of feeling on this issue and take action to ensure continued funding for Circles.”