1. Portfolio/Number/Name:COPFS/C2 Case Related Costs & Estates Rationalisation |
2. Programme/Activity: This project covers improving the citing of witnesses to reduce unnecessary attendance at court and thereby reducing witness expenses. The project also encompasses rationalising the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service ( COPFS) estate. |
3. Efficiency | 3.1 Current target; £m | | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 |
Cash | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
Time | 0 | 0 | 0 |
3.2 Efficiencies delivered; £m | | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 |
Cash | 0.88 | - | - |
Time | 0 | - | - |
4. Accountable Officer for delivery | Norman McFadyen, Crown Agent and Chief Executive |
5. Project Manager | Bill McQueen, Deputy Chief Executive |
6. EGDD Portfolio Manager | Angus Gardner |
7. Description of efficiency and actions to be taken | 7.1 What is the efficiency improvement? How will the efficiencies be made? The aim is to reduce the numbers of witnesses cited, where feasible, and to ensure procedures are in place to countermand their attendance in time, where necessary. We will reduce the COPFS estate in Edinburgh from five properties to three, thereby reducing accommodation rental and maintenance costs. |
7.2 What are the main actions that are needed to secure the delivery of this efficiency improvement? The introduction of improved procedures and implementation of best practice for citing witnesses and the reduction of unnecessary attendance at court. The consolidation of Edinburgh properties is included in the Department's accommodation strategy and is covered by the relevant business plans. |
8. Associated costs | 8.1 Are there any development or redundancy costs associated with the delivery of this efficiency? No. |
9. Measurement | 9.1 What are the inputs that will be measured? Cost of witnesses attending court. Rental and maintenance costs of Edinburgh accommodation. |
9.2 What are the outputs that will be measured? Number of court cases. Continued function of COPFS in Edinburgh in 3 buildings. |
9.3 What is the baseline for inputs and outputs? The baseline for measuring inputs and outputs is 2004/05. |
10. Quality cross-check | 10.1 What quality indicators are being used to ensure that quality of service is maintained or improved? Improved procedures for citing witnesses to result in witnesses having a more positive experience of the criminal justice system. Improved communication channels and progress /completion of the Department's accommodation strategy. |
11. Monitoring | 11.1 What are the arrangements for monitoring the delivery of efficiencies? Efficiency savings will be monitored by reference to witness and accommodation expenditure in comparison to the base year costs. |
12. Reporting | 12.1 What are the arrangements for reporting the delivery of efficiencies? We will monitor and report to our Management Board mid-year (September) and at financial year-end. This will be led by the Director of Finance who is a member of the Management Board. |
13. Dependencies | 13.1 Explain if your efficiencies are dependent on legislation or other structural changes being achieved. N/A. |
14. Use of efficiencies | 14.1 How are the efficiencies released from improvement activity being used to improve front-line services? This efficiency savings was assumed as part of the allocation made by the Scottish Executive to COPFS. This has freed up resources for Ministers to allocate to their priorities. |