Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Paragraph: 32
As the then Minister of State, Lucy Frazer, acknowledged to us, one reason for the...
Conclusion
As the then Minister of State, Lucy Frazer, acknowledged to us, one reason for the failure of the 2014–15 Transforming Rehabilitation reforms was inaccurate modelling of how much work, and therefore profit, would go to the private sector and third sector organisations allocated more than half the probation system’s overall caseload to administer. The PAC, the NAO and other bodies, including a former Justice Committee, have highlighted how the 2014–15 reforms foundered on being introduced too fast and without sufficient planning or research into their impacts.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partly This recommendation has been partly agreed as the decision to discontinue to Probation Delivery Partner competitions was taken following a review process. We never enter into a procurement with the intention of cancelling it; unfortunately, changes in circumstances sometimes require a change of approach, and all organisations participating in a procurement recognise this risk. This was the case with the cancellation of the Probation Delivery Partner competition, as a result of reviewing the impacts of the pandemic on our ability to deliver a smooth and successful transition. We made that decision as promptly as we could and paused the competition as soon as it was under review to avoid further investment of resources by bidders.