‘Stretched resources’ at the frontline across the Crown Prosecution Service in London have resulted in ‘poor’ performance ratings for five boroughs and lower than average conviction rates in the capital, according to the organisation’s chief inspector.

Reports of inspections in nine London boroughs by the HM CPS Inspectorate found performance was ‘poor’ in Lewisham, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Redbridge, while standards in Bexley, Waltham Forest, Havering and Barking and Dagenham were rated ‘fair’.

Stephen Wooler, the chief inspector, said: ‘The fact that five boroughs have been assessed as "poor" and four as "fair" gives rise to serious concern.’

‘A recurring theme was the soundness of initial decision-making, but followed by a lack of pro-activity and [lack of] case preparation leading to poor outcomes, particularly in contested cases.’ The conviction rate in the Crown court in London is 73%, compared with a national rate of 81%.

Wooler said: ‘The difficulties appear to be related to stretched resources, linked to the large number of initiatives which prosecutors have to cope with… It would be wrong to present these findings without acknowledging the commitment and industry of the prosecutors, who impressed inspectors with their positive attitudes in the face of tremendous pressures.’

Alison Saunders, chief Crown prosecutor in CPS London, said: ‘The new London senior management team are determined to improve the service we provide to victims and witnesses in London. The nine reports published to date confirm our own findings and it is helpful to know we are addressing the right things.’