MoJ plans outsourcing of fine collections

3 Aug 17

The Ministry of Justice has announced plans to outsource fine collections to the private sector but unions have criticised the proposals.

Staff at the Courts and Tribunals Service were informed this week that the collection of fines could be moved to the private sector under proposed changes, a measure which the government says could save taxpayers millions.

However the Public Service Union has branded the move, which it says puts 150 civil service jobs at risk, an attempt to “sneak in” privatisation of the system.

General secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The last time ministers tried to do something similar it ended up costing taxpayers £8m before being abandoned, now they're trying to avoid scrutiny by sneaking it out during the summer holiday.

“This work is highly sensitive and should remain in-house instead of being handed to private bailiffs whose motive is profit.”

An HM Courts and Tribunals spokesperson said: “We take the recovery and enforcement of court fines very seriously and it is vital that offenders either pay or are brought back before the court.

“While no decisions have been made, we are in discussion with providers to extend the work of Approved Enforcement Agencies which would save the taxpayer more than £18m over the next five years.”

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