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But an independent sentencing review has suggested wider use of probation services and the third sector in managing offenders after release from prison.

The government ran an in-house pilot scheme, but it was subsequently moved to a "third sector partnership approach" run by Cycling Scotland.

MacCallum was told by a sheriff she had "systematically and deliberately" perpetrated "calculating" frauds on the third sector organisations.

The UK government has promised the Welsh government money to cover the extra cost for public sector employers in Wales, but it still is not known how much would be made available or if it would stretch to cover the increased bills for third sector organisations that provide services to the public sector.

At a time when all budgets are tight, discussions are now taking place with the third sector to see if the scheme can be rolled out more widely.