Since the JR costs hearing held last Friday, Napo has been in consultation with our lawyers to explore a potential appeal. Whilst we were not given permission for an appeal on Friday against the costs order, it is the refusal that we are considering appealing against. The Officers group will look at this in more detail later this week.
Outcome of the costs hearing:
The Court ruled that the MOJ was allowed to keep its evidence secret under a confidentiality order imposed by the Court at the disclosure hearing. This has resulted in Napo writing a comprehensive briefing to bidders outlining Napo's analysis of the Secretary of State’s evidence to the Court. A copy of the letter to bidders can be found on the Napo website: https://www.napo.org.uk/news/napo-has-written-bidders-comprehensive-brie...
The Courts found Napo liable for some of the MOJ costs but found the MOJ liable for our costs in relation to the disclosure hearing. Full details of the costs have yet to be finalised by the Court and we will, of course update you as soon as we can.
Today also saw the publication of the HMIP report ‘Transforming Rehabilitation – Early Implementation’:
Napo provided MP's with a briefing on the report in time for Justice Questions to be held tomorrow morning. The briefing can be found on the Napo website https://www.napo.org.uk/reports. You will find a link to the full report at the end of the briefing.
Branch representatives meet in London this Thursday and more information will be issued about developments as soon as we are able.
Ian Lawrence, General Secretary, and Officers' Group
15th December 2014