Probation services in England and Wales are largely failing to reach adequate standards, an official report has said.

The annual report of HM Inspectorate of Probation has disclosed that of the 33 areas examined as part of the Performance Inspection Programme during the last two years only nine were regarded as performing satisfactorily.

HMIP measured the performance of a number of number of probation service areas against the standards and targets set by the Home Office

In January 1999, HMIP began a three-year inspection programme during which all probation services in England and Wales are to be examined. By publishing comparative information on performance across regions, HMIP is seeking to ensure regional services are achieving high levels of performance and providing value for money.

The news that the 54 probation services in England and Wales, are failing to reach adequate standards will come as a blow to the government as they play a key part in the government's plans to reduce re-offending by criminals.

In the annual report the chief Inspector of probation, Sir Graham Smith, who retired at the end of June, also said that the government's Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 represents the most profound change for the probation service since the Probation of Offenders Act 1907.

"There is a risk of unrealistic expectations of the new service - with local staff believing that a national service will have a higher profile and better resources and nationally people believing that a national service will automatically be easier to direct and control," he said.

"Experience in other national services suggests that this is likely to lead to disappointment on all sides. Change as profound and far reaching as this will take time and there will be failures as well as successes."

Home Office minister Beverley Hughes said the report came at a critical time and highlighted attempts by staff and managers to improve performance.

"The National Probation Service is now well placed to make a major contribution to crime reduction and the effective rehabilitation of offenders. I've no doubt it will strive to do so. And the Inspectorate will continue to play an important role in ensuring that the highest standards are achieved," she said.

Probation services are jointly funded by the Home Office and local authorities. Each is run by a Probation Committee, which is accountable to the home secretary, David Blunkett, for the strategic direction and performance of the service.

The new chief inspector of probation, professor Rod Morgan, takes up his post from August 1.