§ 39. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implementation of new Fresh Start working practices in the prison system.
§ 49. Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison establishments are now operating the Fresh Start working practices.
§ Mr. John PattenFresh Start working has now been implemented at 102 establishments. At the remainder management and staff are working towards the conclusion of local agreements to enable Fresh Start to be implemented.
§ 46. Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what benefits he foresees for the prison service from the introduction of the Fresh Start working practices.
§ Mr. John PattenFresh Start is intended to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and economy with which the prison service discharges its public service. The new working arrangements match resources more closely to the work needs of establishments; and provide more responsive and flexible systems, improved accountability, and the opportunity for managers to manage more effectively. For prison officers, the new working practices bring reduced hours, predictable attendance patterns, improved job continuity and satisfaction and increased basic pay. For inmates, Fresh Start aims to provide a sound organisational basis for the enhanced delivery of regimes.