The National Audit Office (NAO) has raised alarms about the planned expansion of electronic tagging in England and Wales, warning that without significant upgrades, public safety could be compromised. Currently, around 28,700 individuals are monitored electronically, a number that could rise dramatically as the government aims to manage prison overcrowding by tagging an estimated 22,000 offenders annually from 2027.
The NAO’s report highlights serious inefficiencies in the current system, including a backlog of unmonitored cases and delays in tagging individuals. As of March 2026, about 24% of those required to be tagged were under review, raising questions about the reliability of the monitoring process. The report also points to a shortfall of probation staff, which could hinder the system’s ability to scale effectively.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, emphasised that while electronic monitoring is crucial for managing prison pressures, its current ineffectiveness poses risks to public protection. The government has committed up to £175 million for the expansion, but critics argue that without addressing existing weaknesses, this investment could be wasted and public safety jeopardised.
Experts warn that viewing electronic tagging as a simple solution to overcrowding could undermine public confidence in the justice system. The Prison Reform Trust’s chief executive called for a comprehensive approach that includes investment in probation services and clear success metrics to ensure that electronic monitoring serves its intended purpose effectively.
Source: The Guardian
