Probation Reform Debate

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Department: Scotland Office
Thursday 16th May 2019

(5 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Keen of Elie Portrait Lord Keen of Elie
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I do not agree with the propositions advanced by the noble Lord at all, and I have confidence in these proposed reforms.

Lord Scriven Portrait Lord Scriven (LD)
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My Lords, the Minister says there has been no cost to the taxpayer, but the taxpayer has had to pay £500 million extra, including the early closure of these contracts, which cost £170 million, which in turn included a cost of £115 million for waiving some fees. Is it not the case that there is an extra cost of £500 million to the taxpayer for bringing these contracts to an early close, and that they have not performed?

Lord Keen of Elie Portrait Lord Keen of Elie
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No, with respect. The cost of these contracts was estimated at about £1 billion more than the actual cost incurred for the foreshortened contracts.