This follows an extended period during which HM Prison
and Probation Service (HMPPS) has worked with the
operator, G4S, in an attempt to drive up standards at
the prison amid serious concerns over safety, security
and decency.
It is clear, however, that without additional support
the prison will not be able to make sufficient progress
on these pressing issues which have again been
highlighted following the recent HMIP inspection. G4S
accept that this is the case.
From today, the running of the establishment will be
taken over by HMPPS in accordance with the Criminal
Justice Act 1991 and as part of the contract with G4S.
However, HMPPS will work closely with G4S to ensure
minimal disruption and to reassure staff of our mutual
commitment to stabilising the prison and putting it on
a sustainable footing.
The immediate steps that will be taken include:
- putting in place one of the prison service’s best
governors to lead the prison, as well as a strong
senior management team
- allocating experienced HMPPS officers to bolster
existing staffing at the prison; an initial 30 extra
officers will be deployed
- reducing the prison’s capacity by 300 places while
improvement action is underway
While HMPPS will run Birmingham for an initial
six-month period, this may be extended and the prison
will not be handed back until ministers are satisfied
that sufficient progress has been made.
Justice Secretary and the Prisons
Minister have recently visited the prison and concluded
that ‘stepping in’ is the best way to make immediate
impact and begin the necessary improvements.
Prisons Minister 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.
This ‘step in’ means that we can provide additional
resources to the prison while insulating the taxpayer
from the inevitable cost this entails.
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.
