Cash boost for community service

Low level offenders carry out community service

Offenders are to be put on community service orders more quickly after the Scottish Government announced an extra £1m of funding.

The money is to allow local authorities to take on more staff to deliver the community penalties.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the move would help ensure offenders would not need to wait for a community service place to become available.

He announced the move at a disability centre in Paisley.

'Bed and board'

The centre has a new path and garden provided by those working on "community payback" tasks.

Mr MacAskill said for community service orders to be effective, they needed to be delivered swiftly and consistently.

He added: "Low level offenders should be paying back the harm they have caused to communities through the sweat of their brow.

"Taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for their free bed and board in prison."