To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of her Department's capital budget situation.

The Capital position for my Department is stark, with an average shortfall of £150 million in each of the next four years compared to an average budget of only £120 million. The limited funding in the proposed Draft Budget will severely restrict my Capital plans to transform and modernise the Justice estate. This will inevitably result in major capital projects being delayed.

My Department’s capital requirements reflect the costs of a number of key projects for police, courts, prisons and forensic science, many of which are included within the draft Investment Strategy.

Whilst my Department has had relatively low Capital requirements in the past, additional funding is now vital to fund the capital investments to transform operating models, enhance digital solutions and modernise the facilities in which services are delivered.

The proposed Capital allocation for my Department will not only lead to significant delays in implementing planned major projects but also curtail my Department’s ability to proceed with routine maintenance and minor works.

Regrettably, in the absence of realistic funding for my Department, it is inevitable that capital plans will have to change, with projects being scaled back and delayed. Inflationary pressures and rising construction costs will further compound these challenges as projects are pushed out further to the future.