The procurement of goods and services by HM Prison Service : sixth report of session 2008-09, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

In this report, 'The Procurement of Goods and Services by HM Prison Service (HC 71)', the Committee of Public Accounts revisits the Prison Service's procurement system five years after publishing a critical report on the subject ("Modernising Procurement in the Prison Service (HC 676)" - ISBN 9780215012647).

The Committee notes that the Service has responded positively and decisively.

It has implemented a new strategy and introduced a centralised professional procurement team, supported by five regional procurement teams and a new information technology system.

Other conclusions and recommendations made by the Committee are as mentioned below.

As a direct result of implementing the Committee's recommendations, the Service has generated cash savings of GBP 120 million to 2007-08.

Whenever problems have been encountered - including difficulties in phasing in its new computer system - the Service has addressed them promptly.

Compliance with laid down procedures is being tightened to ensure that all areas of the Service utilise the procurement system as effectively and efficiently as possible. The Ministry of Justice announced in October 2008 that it is to centralise procurement across the Ministry into a single function, which would include the Prison Service.

With a potential budget of GBP 2.5 billion, the new procurement function offers the opportunity to secure substantial savings.

The July 2008 National Audit Office report on this topic ("HC 943", ISBN 9780102954258) is available to buy separately, please see below.