Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department’s news story of 5 November 2019, Approved Enforcement Agency Services Contract Awarded, whether departmental trade unions were consulted on those awards.

The Approved Enforcement Agency (AEA) contracts were awarded after a rigorous tender and evaluation process. The outcome was determined by application of technical and qualitative evaluation criteria.

The Departmental Trade Union Side (DTUS) were informed of the awards on an embargoed basis prior to publication.

Regular consultation and engagement with DTUS has been ongoing throughout the procurement and implementation.