Written question asked by Grant Shapps (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 February 2008. It was answered by Iain Wright (Labour) on Friday, 29 February 2008 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Housing: Disabled

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 18 September 2006, Official Report, columns 133-4WS, on Housing Employment Mobility Services, whether her Department recouped the £1.06 million and associated costs following the termination of its contract with Scout Solutions Projects Limited to deliver mobility services for social tenants in the UK.

Answer: Communities and Local Government is bound by the Lord Chancellor's pledge on the ““Settlement of Government Disputes Through Alternative Dispute Resolution”” where this is appropriate and is obliged if possible to seek a negotiated settlement of dispute. Following the written ministerial statement of 18 September 2006, Official Report, columns 133-4WS the Department entered negotiations with a view to settlement of the dispute with the former moveUK contractor.A confidential settlement was achieved on 7 June 2007 with an exchange of rights and assets. The settlement negotiated by the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Legal Directorate at Communities and Local Government was approved by HM Treasury and Counsel as an appropriate settlement representing value for money to the public purse having regard to: the chances of success; professional costs and other fees and expenses likely to be incurred; irrecoverable costs; the duration of proceedings and further delays to the delivery of public services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 189408; 472 c1996W
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Housing: Disabled
Monday, 31 March 2008
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Housing Tenancy transfers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk