Prisons: Repairs and Maintenance

(asked on 17th January 2018) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the reasons that the contracts with private sector companies to deliver prison maintenance did not achieve the savings budgeted for as announced by his Department in July 2017.


Answered by
 Portrait
Rory Stewart
This question was answered on 25th January 2018

There was an underestimation of the historical costs of maintenance and services, which meant that more of the award has been spent on maintenance and services rather than efficiency savings. We assess the major elements of financial risk within the contract lie in asset verification, asset condition, service verification and variable costs. Actions have been taken within each area. They have ensured clarity on financial risk and have allowed negotiated settlements to be reached that reflect true contractual costs. Appropriate governance has been put in place that ensures that variable costs are accurately reported and justified and that claims are assured by the Contract Management team. Governors are focused on the management and reduction of vandalism and damage within their establishments supporting this cost reduction. All actions and improved contract management assurance has ensured that historic and future additional costs are accurate and appropriate.

Reticulating Splines