PRIVATISATION OF CRIMINAL FINE COLLECTION

Early day motion 73, tabled 16 May 2012 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House is concerned by plans to privatise criminal fine enforcement; believes that it is not right that a service intended to protect the public and ensure justice is served should be sold off to a private bailiff industry lacking in regulation and likely to target the easier to find, often more vulnerable people rather than the more serious and hard to chase criminals; recognises that court enforcement officers employed by the courts are the most cost-effective and fairest way of enforcing criminal fines; and further believes that HM Courts and Tribunals Service should be kept in the public sector, as recommended by the HM Court Service report, Criminal Compliance and Enforcement Services: A Blueprint for 2008 to 2012, published in July 2008.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Green 1, Respect 1.