Scots justice in dock over £40m ‘inefficiencies’

Opposition parties branded the findings “unacceptable” and warned the system was in danger of moving in the wrong direction.

Robert Black, the Auditor General for Scotland, said joint working between the “complex” mix of organisations involved in criminal justice had got better in recent years.

But he added: “There is still a significant amount of inefficiency in the system which results in delays, repeated processes and unnecessary costs.

“Much of this can be avoided and money could be saved. All the different bodies need to continue to work together to further improve the processes for the benefit of everyone involved.”

The report, entitled An Overview of Scotland’s Criminal Justice System, found the system cost an estimated £857 million in 2009-10.

It said many cases were still subject to delays, mainly because of witnesses failing to appear or professionals not being fully prepared, costing about £10m in 2009-10.

Other cases were subject to late decisions not to proceed, costing an additional £30m, and the report found that much of that inefficiency was avoidable.

The report also said reoffending was rife, with more than two-thirds of inmates sent to prison in 2009-10 having five or more previous convictions. Less than 10 per cent of estimated criminal justice spending – about £81m in 2009-10 – goes directly on services to reduce reoffending.

New legislation, case law and the increasing complexity of cases were also driving up costs.

The report said: “The scale of budget reductions combined with increasing cost pressures in some areas and limited control over demand mean there are risks to the long-term sustainability of criminal justice services.”

Labour justice spokeswoman Johann Lamont said: “This is a highly alarming report and shows the criminal justice system is in danger of moving in the wrong direction.

“The fact that late decisions not to proceed are costing the taxpayer £30m is simply not acceptable.”

Justice secretary Kenny Mac-Askill said the time taken to process summary cases had improved. But he added: “We have to go further to tackle the remaining inefficiencies within the system.”

The Scottish Government’s Making Justice Work programme is expected to deliver savings of up to £14m next year, according to Mr MacAskill, with more expected over its four-year lifespan. He said: “This will help justice organisations live within tighter budgets and provide better value for public money.”