Offender supervision 'great idea'

The government wants to change the way prisoners in England and Wales are supervised when they leave prison.

The plans, to be unveiled by the Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, will outline measures to ensure all offenders will be supervised for at least a year after leaving prison.

Colin Lambert, a former prisoner and now the project manager at the St Giles Trust which works with prisoners, told the Today programme's John Humphrys it was a great idea.

He explained the new scheme would help provide housing for people coming out of prison: "Having a roof over their head reduces their chances of reoffending."

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday 9 May 2013.