HAMPSHIRE MPs met with a probation partnership group to discuss the issue of reoffending in the county.

Three MPs from across the county heard how the new probation services provided to offenders serving less than 12 months have started to take effect.

Purple Futures, a partnership which delivers probation and rehabilitation services to low and medium-risk offenders in Hampshire, met to discuss reducing reoffending in the county.

Winchester MP Steve Brine, sponsored and chaired the session, and was also attended by Maria Miller (Basingstoke) and Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North).

Members of the Purple Futures partnership - which runs the county’s probation service - including Catch 22, the Society of St. James, P3 and 3SC, who were also there to speak.

Some of the main challenges to reduce reoffending, including joining up accommodation and health services for offenders, were discussed at the session.

Mr Brine said: “Of course we need to reduce reoffending levels because the country cannot afford the cost of so many people in custody but, more important than that, is the fact if we get this right we turn peoples’ lives around.

“That is the aim for me ultimately.”