Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Ministry of Justice's new prison delivery plans were over-ambitious and unrealistic
Conclusion
In 2021, MoJ had planned to deliver three of its new prisons by 2026, despite having no planning permission in place.18 It also told us it factored in just 26 weeks to gain approvals, even though sites were not earmarked in local plans.19 We challenged MoJ on whether it felt its plans were over–ambitious and if it should have better anticipated planning delays.20 MoJ said that it did not regret making the commitment given the places were required.21 It argued that it was relying on ‘Project Speed’, a HM Treasury and Cabinet Office–led initiative, to streamline and speed–up planning approvals but that the project did not deliver.22 It also said that there were delays it could not have anticipated, for example where two sites were recommended for approval by the local planning official but were later rejected.23 MoJ conceded that with hindsight it would have been better not to have planned on the basis that Project Speed would be successful.24
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation was implemented in April 2025 and refers to the re-baselining exercise, monthly monitoring meetings, and the use of the Crown Development Route for planning permission.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented: April 2025 2.2 The 20,000 prison place programmes undertook a robust re-baselining exercise between December 2023 and December 2024. The process used Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis alongside Reference Class Forecasting methodology to gain additional assurance. Lessons learned are being applied as programme plans develop, increasing confidence in the feasibility of remaining delivery. 2.3 MOJ and HMPPS will continue to monitor plans and delivery dates through monthly ‘Integrated Property Plan’ meetings. At-risk milestones are identified and escalated, allowing for more efficient resolution. Programmes must feed into a monthly risk Senior Leadership Team forum, which is responsible for identifying and mitigating cross-cutting risks and issues, as well as a weekly report highlighting slippage and mitigation initiatives for programmes delivering across 2025. 2.4 The vast majority of the 20,000 prison place programmes now have planning permission, can proceed under Permitted Development Rights, or do not require planning. For future prison builds, where appropriate, the MoJ and HMPPS will seek to secure planning permission through the Crown Development Route, expected to come into force in spring 2025. 2.5 The revised National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that significant weight should be placed on the importance of new, expanded or upgraded public service infrastructure (such as prisons) when considering development proposals. A strategic approach to achieving Nutrient Neutrality is being developed through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. These measures provide the MoJ and HMPPS with greater assurance on the feasibility of obtaining planning permissions, reducing the risk of delays to delivery timelines.