Police will be handed back powers to charge people suspected of minor crimes, Home Secretary Theresa May is to announce in Bournemouth today.

The Tory Cabinet member wants all officers to be given the discretion to put low-level offenders in the dock without consulting prosecutors.

In her first speech since being appointed last week, Mrs May will say the move will restore police freedom and be more straightforward and efficient.

She was expected to tell the Police Federation annual conference in Bournemouth that under the new system the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will be responsible for the most serious cases.

But everyday misdemeanours, possibly including offences such as common assault, theft or breach of bail, will be put back in the hands of uniformed officers.

The announcement will be warmly welcomed by members of the rank-and-file who complained to a succession of home secretaries about the loss of charging powers.