Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Rapid Deployment Cell costs significantly increased due to design changes and unforeseen site issues
Conclusion
We asked HMPPS why the costs of its Rapid Deployment Cells (RDCs) had risen so significantly.25 HMPPS said that increases were due to three factors: design changes as it developed its understanding of what was needed; site–specific costs due to unforeseen issues such as asbestos; and nutrient neutrality regulations, which require it to offset the impact of projects on the environment.26 We asked MoJ if it had a maximum price that it was willing to pay for a prison place.27 MoJ explained that, while there have been some instances where it had not progressed projects because of cost, there is no specific point at which it would regard a project as too expensive. It told us that decisions to progress projects depend on several factors such as how urgent the need for additional capacity is and how quickly places can be delivered.28 18 C&AG’s Report, para 1.15 19 Qq 23–27 20 Qq 11–13 21 Q 8 22 Q 13 23 Q 23 24 Qq 13–18 25 Q 30 26 Q 31 27 Qq 33,34 28 Q 34 10 Delivering the remaining 14,000 prison places
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.