Decision details

- The continuation of an essential service within the prison service.
- Gives assurance of further employment to Council staff to 2025, without disruption in service to HMPPS and the prisoner communities who use these libraries.
- Continuation of positive and valued working relationship with our local custodial institutions.
- Neutral cost to Doncaster Council. Staff and book purchases paid by HMPPS

To approve the extension of an existing contract to provide library services on behalf of HMP Lindholme, HMP Hatfield and HMP Moorland. Effective prison library services are proven through an evidence base to contribute to improving literacy and skills for prisoners, and contributing to reducing re-offending.

Extension date from expiry date of the 1 July 2022 to the 31 March 2025.

Costs to date for 2021-22 are totalling £170k across prison library sites (HMP Moorland, HMP Lindholme, The Lakes, and Hatfield YOI open). Costs include the staff for the libraries and purchases of new books.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED
- Allow termination of contract.
Rejected on basis of need for continuous delivery of service, which cannot be easily sourced elsewhere by HMPPS.

Rejected on basis that it allows continuation of employment to 2025 for Council staff, and continuity of a highly valued service for the prison community.

- Negotiate to refine the contract.
This would not meet HMPPS’s requirements and would harm the valued working relationship and potentially outcomes for prison library users.