Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what support he can provide to charities and other organisations who have not been paid money owed to them as a result of Working Links going into administration.

As set out in the Secretary of State’s Direction of 8 May and in the response to 275187, it was concluded, on this occasion, that it was reasonable for Government to protect Permitted Subcontractors who suffered losses as they relate to the collapse of Working Links and their Community Rehabilitation Companies. These organisations are directly involved in the delivery of vital frontline probation services. We have been very clear that this is a unique response to a unique and specific set of circumstances. This should not be viewed as setting a precedent for future scenarios.

Of the ten permitted subcontractors that the Authority agreed to make payments to as per the Ministerial Direction of 8 May, nine have been paid to date. The invoice from the remaining permitted subcontractor is currently being reviewed as part of our due diligence process.

Contractors outside of the permitted subcontractor list should continue to pursue any financial claims through the Administrator. The Authority can assist in this process if required.