§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Criminal Records Bureau checks were outstanding at the most recent date for which information is available for(a) less than four 872W weeks, (b) four to six weeks, (c) six to 12 weeks, (d) 12 to 26 weeks and (e) more than 26 weeks; and what steps are being taken to reduce delays in responding. [162211]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 18 March 2004]The information that the hon. Member for Isle of Wight has asked for on the number of outstanding checks broken down in the manner requested is not available from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) systems.
A weekly report is produced by the CRB to establish the number of outstanding applications held within the computer system. This report displays applications that have been outstanding from one week to six weeks. These figures are broken down further to show the number of applications that have been with the CRB from 0-four weeks, four-six weeks and over six weeks.
As at 29 February 2004, the CRB has a total of 105,218 applications awaiting completion.
Of these applications:
- 97,756 are less than four-weeks-old
- 5,901 are four to six-weeks-old
- 1,561 are over six-weeks-old
The number of applications awaiting completion over six weeks, approximately 1.5 per cent. of the overall total, falls well within the 5 per cent. tolerance, as stipulated in our Public Service Standard.
The CRB continues to monitor its performance and implement measures aimed at minimising backlogs and streamlining the Disclosure process. These measures have included:
consulting Registered Bodies on how to encompass greater responsibility within their role, enabling speedier authentication of Disclosure applicants;minimising data quality errors by providing advice and assistance to applicants and Counter signatories on completing the application form;replacing our previous, manually produced Fastrack system with an automated process;providing additional resources to specific areas of concern.For example, five members of CRB staff have been seconded to alleviate backlogs at Local Police Forces.
§ Jon TrickettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what identity verification processes were incorporated into the contract specification at the time that the Criminal Records Bureau let the contract to Capita; what identity verification processes are being used; and if he will make a statement; [162600]
(2) what information sources are used by the Criminal Records Bureau in verifying postal addresses; and if he will make a statement; [162601]
(3) what sources of data he has directed that the Criminal Records Bureau should use in conducting identity verification processes. [162602]
§ Ms BlearsThe initial contract with Capita, which envisaged the majority of applications being made via the telephone, included an on-line identity check using Experian's on-line system. This was deemed to be the most efficient method as an applicant could be asked for sufficient information to "pass" the check while making the application via the call centre.
873WThe subsequent introduction of the paper application channel, which now accounts for 87 per cent. of all applications made this route unviable as specific questions aimed at obtaining a pass score cannot be asked on a paper application form.
In line with the recommendation of the Independent Review Team appointed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in September 2002 powers have been taken in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to make Registered Bodies solely responsible for identity and address verification. The CRB issues guidance to Registered Bodies showing the type of documentation a Registered Body should use to verify name and address. The CRB Code of Practice requires Registered Bodies to check documents contained in this list
The CRB does use "postcode look up" to verify that an address exists but does not carry out any further address checks. The revised contract with Capita reflects this.