PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
PROBATION SERVICE PRIVATISATION (9 September 2013)

That this House is deeply concerned by the Government's plans to outsource almost 70 per cent of the probation service in England and Wales, including the supervision of low to medium risk offenders, to private security firms such as G4S and Serco; notes the recent revelations regarding the competency of both security firms in the justice sector; further notes, with concern, the possible risks to public safety and the reputation of the service should it be outsourced which was highlighted by the Government in its restricted Ministry of Justice risk register; recognises that the probation service is at present meeting or exceeding all of its targets and has won the prestigious British Quality Foundation Award for Excellence; and calls on the Government to take into account the views of trade unions, charities and those who responded to the Transforming Rehabilitation consultation, most of whom voiced their overwhelming rejection of Government plans, and abandon proceeding with its privatisation agenda.

Sponsored by:
Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Plaid Cymru)