Written question asked by Lord Ramsbotham (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McNally (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 October 2011.

Prisons: First Night Service

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they rejected the independent Prison Reform Trust report on the First Night service provided by the Prisoner’s Advice and Care Trust at HMP Holloway.

Answer: The First Night service offered by PACT is duplicated to a large degree by information-gathering by the prison for input into the P-Nomis system at the point of reception. As a result of the need to ensure cost efficiency it was decided to review how the First Night service was provided at Holloway. PACT was the only bidder when the service was re-tendered; however, it did not represent value for money. It was decided to provide the service in-house, which offers significant cost benefits, and discontinue the service provided by PACT. A three-month notice period was entered into, which finishes on 31 October 2011. From then, a variation of the First Night Service will be provided utilising existing operational staff resources at no additional cost. Holloway will be giving prisoners extra phone credit when arriving as a new reception, which will be at a minimal additional cost to the prison. Given the PACT bid did not represent value for money the Prison Reform Trust report did not form part of the considerations during this process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 11603; 730 c210-2WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Advisory services Prisoners HMP/YOI Holloway Prison Reform Trust Prison Advice and Care Trust
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk