Prison service takes control of HMP Birmingham from private operator

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has taken over the running of HMP Birmingham from G4S “amid serious concerns over safety, security and decency”.

The MoJ said the move was for an initial six-month period and was “at no additional cost to the taxpayer”.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has been working with G4S “for an extended period” in an attempt to drive up standards at the prison but following a recent inspection has now taken over control.

Prisons Minister Rory Stewart said: “What we have seen at Birmingham is unacceptable and it has become clear that drastic action is required to bring about the improvements we require.

“We have good, privately-run prisons across the country and while Birmingham faces its own particular set of challenges, I am absolutely clear that it must start to live up to the standards seen elsewhere.”

The immediate steps that will be taken include appointing a very experienced prison governor to lead the prison, adding 30 extra HMPPS officers to the existing staffing at the prison, and reducing the prison’s capacity by 300 places.

HMP Birmingham transferred to G4S from the public sector in 2011 and was affected by disorder in December 2016. It has capacity for 1,450 prisoners when operating normally.