Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, for each of the last five years, what percentage of invoices submitted to UK prisons were paid to suppliers within 30 days; how many invoices were paid later than 30 days; what was the potential interest and compensation liability due to late payment; and how much interest and compensation was claimed and paid.

In respect of information on UK prisons, prisons in Scotland and Northern Ireland are a devolved matter and responsibility lies with the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive respectively.

The information requested for prisons in England and Wales could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) does not separately identify payment records relating to prisons only. Data for interest or compensation liability charges due to late payment is also not collated separately.

HMPPS data includes prisons, probation and HMPPS headquarters cost centres. As an Agency, HMPPS made approximately 230,000 invoice payments in financial year 2017/18, 85% of which were paid within 30 days. To date in 2018/19 the Agency has paid 87% of invoices received within 30 days.

On occasion, invoices are placed on hold for payment. This may be for a variety of reasons including awaiting verification that the goods or services have been delivered and are of the required standard.