Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what representation he has received from magistrates and the judiciary since 1 June 2014 on service delivery; and if he will seek feedback as part of Test Gate 4 on whether the sale of Community Rehabilitation Companies contracts is having a detrimental impact on sentencing and court processes.
Answered on
2 July 2014
On 1 June, as part of our ongoing Transforming Rehabilitation Programme of reform, the new National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) formally commenced operation. My officials have been in regular contact with the judiciary and magistracy throughout the transition process, but we have had no specific representations from them concerning service delivery.
We have made it clear throughout this process that we will manage the reforms in a controlled way and we will not proceed to share sale until thorough testing is complete and we are satisfied that it is safe to do so.