National databases linked to track fine dodgers

The government has allowed magistrates access to police intelligence records in a bid to crack down on offenders who fail to pay fines and turn up for community service.

All 42 criminal justice areas across England and Wales can now access police data as well as benefits records from the Department for Work and Pensions, which was announced earlier this year.

The government has chosen the northwest of England to pilot the National Enforcement Service (NES), which is linking the databases with an enforcement taskforce charged with finding those who avoid court orders.

In a press statement, Harriet Harman, constitutional affairs minister, said: "Fines and community penalties can only be credible sentencing options if they're enforced properly.

"The certain knowledge that offenders will be pursued relentlessly if they try to avoid punishment will encourage them to pay their fine and do their community penalty. A lack of confidence in the system fuels the demand for prison sentences, even where they are not appropriate."

The government said there is a poor record of people paying fines and obeying court orders in Greater Manchester and Merseyside, and improvements are needed.

The NES pilot scheme, which begins in April next year, will look at intelligence sharing and new ways of collaboration to find absconders. The national rollout is set happen in April 2007.