Private Contractors Justice Services 2025-07-08
2025-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In 2013, Serco was fined £68.5 million for overcharging the Government for electronic tagging but continued to hold contracts in 2023 despite Secretary of State's comments about poor performance.
Given that Serco was fined £68.5 million in 2013 for overcharging the Government for electronic tagging and it was still awarded a new £200 million contract in 2023, can the Minister explain what a private company needs to do to be seen as unfit to hold such a contract?
While the performance of Serco has been unacceptable, as the hon. Gentleman says, we have made progress and performance is improving. We have imposed fines for poor performance, and will not hesitate to employ further contractual remedies or other measures should they be required.
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Assessment & feedback
did not specify criteria for determining a company's fitness to retain a contract
Progress Is Improving
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Channel 4 has revealed that the contract with Serco is fundamentally failing, despite comments from the Secretary of State in March indicating poor performance. A written question response in June still deemed Serco's performance unacceptable.
Where are we with bringing Serco around to perform properly? If it does not do so, will the Government consider cancelling that contract and bringing those services back in-house?
All options are always under review, but as I have said, performance under that contract is improving. The Prisons Minister in the other place is gripping this issue, and we will get to where we need to get to.
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Assessment & feedback
did not confirm if cancellation of contract is being considered
Options Under Review
Performance Improving
Response accuracy