By Vivienne Russell | 12 December 2013
Electronic monitoring contracts currently held by G4S and Serco are to be given to Capita by the end of the financial year, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling announced today.
The contracts caused controversy after an audit revealed that both firms had charged the Ministry of Justice for monitoring offenders’ electronic tags when they had not been fitted or had been removed. The matter is now being probed by the Serious Fraud Office.
With both the G4S and Serco contracts set to expire on March 31 next year, Grayling said Capita would take over the work on an interim basis until the new contracts take effect on April 1.
‘This will mean that management of these services, which are now operated by G4S and Serco, will transition to Capita by the end of the current financial year,’ he said.
‘Under these arrangements, Capita will be using the systems and equipment of G4S and Serco, but the two companies will no longer have a direct role in delivering the service on the ground.’
Grayling added that Capita was one of the preferred bidders for the next generation of electronic monitoring contracts, and if negotiations and testing go well, will take responsibility for monitoring and field staff.
‘This signals a fresh start for electronic monitoring that brings us a step closer to introducing the most advanced tagging system in the world,’ he said.
Capita said around 1,000 employees would transfer to the firm in early 2014 while negotiations for the new generation contracts are ongoing.
A spokeswoman added: ‘The new contract is due to be signed in the new year with the full new service expected to start later in 2014 following a set up and mobilisation period. Capita remain confident that it will be successful in securing this new generation contract.’
Other preferred bidders for the MoJ contracts are Buddi, Astrium and Telefonica.
A G4S spokeswoman said: 'We have been working with the Ministry of Justice and the new provider on detailed planning for the transition and will continue to provide the necessary support to the MoJ and the new provider to ensure the transition goes smoothly.'
