Written Question · S2W-11589 · Session 2
Further to the answer to question S2W-10926 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 October 2004, how the costs which are not readily quantifiable were acc…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-10926 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 October 2004, how the costs which are not readily quantifiable were accounted for in the Reliance contract.
The answer
I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:
These opportunity costs arise for the prison service when prison officers have to undertake escorts instead of their core role. The corresponding benefits arise to the prison service when escorts are undertaken by Reliance instead of the prison service. Since the costs and benefits accrue to the prison service alone, they are not accounted for in the contract with Reliance. Since they are not readily quantifiable, they were not included in the public sector comparator.
These opportunity costs arise for the prison service when prison officers have to undertake escorts instead of their core role. The corresponding benefits arise to the prison service when escorts are undertaken by Reliance instead of the prison service. Since the costs and benefits accrue to the prison service alone, they are not accounted for in the contract with Reliance. Since they are not readily quantifiable, they were not included in the public sector comparator.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-11589 by reference.