STEVENSON COMMENTS ON SLOPPING-OUT CLAIMS

Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has warned that further slopping claims could cost the public purse millions. Speaking after the publication of the Scottish Prison Service's 2004-05 Annual Report, Stevenson said,

“We can now see that the budget provision for slopping-out claims has risen from £28 million to £44 million in a single year. The Executive were warned in 1999 that choosing to delay the ending of slopping-out could cost. It has – big style.

“With over 1,000 prisoners likely to pursue legal action, it will surprise few if the bill rises even more next year.”

Turning to the situation at Peterhead Prison, Stevenson commented,

“I have previously welcomed the consultation about the replacement of the present Peterhead Prison building. We must move rapidly to a new build and cap possible claims from inmates. Public money is better spent on rehabilitation than on compensation.

“A new prison building on the existing site can be delivered quickly. I estimate that a delay of a year in solving Peterhead's problems could cost over £6 million.”