§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultation there has been with voluntary organisations on the cost of criminal record checks by the Criminal Records Bureau; and if he will make a statement; [134677]
(2) if his Department has issued guidance to local authorities on whether the cost of criminal record checks by the Criminal Record Bureau should be paid for by the local authority or the new employee; and if he will make a statement. [134678]
§ Mr. Charles Clarke[holding answer 31 October 2000]: We have had frequent contacts over many months with voluntary sector organisations on a wide variety of issues concerning the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). There have been ad hoc meetings at both ministerial and official levels with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), with individual bodies such as the Scout Association and with groups of organisations such as national sports bodies. The NCVO represents the sector on the board which oversees and advises Ministers on the programme as a whole, and several voluntary organisations are represented on the Customer Forum, which provides a bridge between the CRB and its future clients. Before making regulations prescribing such matters as the fees to be charged by the CRB, we shall carry out a regulatory impact assessment in consultation with affected bodies, including representatives of voluntary organisations. This will provide a thorough and up-to-date assessment of the implications.
107WThe cost of certificates will be charged to the individual on whom the check is sought, although there is nothing to stop an employer such as a local authority or any organisation reimbursing the individual if they so wish.