§ Sir Peter LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage change in prisons unit costs between 1995–96 and 1996–97; and what is the planned percentage reduction in each of the next three years. [12221]
577W
§ Ms QuinThe unit cost used by the Prison Service is net current expenditure per uncrowded prisoner place—the total certified normal accommodation of all prisons. To ensure comparability between years, adjustments are made to exclude payments to local authorities under section 53 of the Young Persons and Children's Act 1933, and to allow for transfers of work to or from the Service. Payments for prisons designed, constructed, managed and financed by the private sector are also excluded, as are the places so provided.
On this basis, the percentage change in unit costs in real terms between 1995–96 and 1996–97 is minus 3 per cent. This is based on forecast outturn for 1996–97.
The planned percentage reductions in real terms over the next three years are:
- 1997–981: -1.1 per cent.
- 1998–992: -2.3 per cent.
- 1999–20002: 0.4 per cent.
These figures are subject to revision in the light of my right hon. Friend's reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, North (Mr. Hopkins) on 24 July, Official Report, column 682, that the service will be allowed to spend £43 million extra this year and next to increase capacity to meet the rise in prisoner numbers. Changes in inflation assumptions would also affect the figures.
- 1Compared to previous year forecast outturn.
- 2Compared to previous year provision.