Lord Grenfellasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the impact of the Capital Modernisation Fund on the Home Department. [HL1743]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonModernising the criminal justice system is a cornerstone of effective crime fighting and in reducing the fear of crime. Capital Modernisation Fund investment in innovative departmental programmes is ensuring that crimes are detected, offenders prosecuted and victims supported more quickly, effectively and efficiently.
The Home Department has benefited from over £220 million investment from Round 1 of the Capital Modernisation Fund, including £150 million funding for a joint project with the Department for the 162WA Environment, Transport and the Regions to reduce vehicle crime and improve security on housing estates.
It has also benefited from over £162 million investment from Round 2 of the Capital Modernisation Fund, including £25 million for the National Technical Assistance Centre to assist law enforcement agencies' ability to fight crime in the information age.
Four million pounds worth of investment has already been secured from Round 3 of the Capital Modernisation Fund for the development by the Youth Justice Board of two small mother and baby units for girls under 18 which will enable sentenced or remanded young mothers to remain with their young babies where appropriate. The first unit should open by early 2003. A further £18 million has been secured to fund the capital costs of the Youth Justice Board's expansion of the secure juvenile estate.
We intend to announce details of further allocations to the Home Department from Round 3 of the Capital Modernisation Fund bidding process shortly.