Privately-run crisis-hit jail to be taken over by Government

A CRISIS-hit jail will be taken over today by the Ministry of Justice with 300 inmates being moved to a different prison amid reports of “appalling” violence, squalor and drug abuse, it was revealed last night.

Ministers said the “step-in” process at HMP Birmingham will stabilise the privately-run operation, inject fresh leadership and boost staff.

It is managed by private contractor G4S.

The Ministry said it will take over the running for at least six months at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

It said it was clear that, without additional support, the prison will not be able to improve. Moves include installing one of the prison service’s “best governors” and 30 new officers. The prison’s capacity will also be reduced by 300 places.

The move comes as Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke calls on Justice Secretary David Gauke to launch an urgent probe into how the jail has “slipped into crisis” in just 18 months.

Inspectors found the prison in “an appalling state” with violence, bullying and poor control by fearful staff.

Many prisoners were under the influence of drugs and blatant drug use went unchallenged. Communal areas were filthy, with cockroaches, vermin, blood and vomit left uncleaned. A letter from Mr Clarke to Mr Gauke, published today, depicts some of the most disturbing evidence that inspectors have seen in any prison.

Mr Clarke wrote: “The inertia that seems to have gripped both those monitoring the contract and delivering it on the ground has led to one of Britain’s leading jails slipping into a state of crisis.”

Prisons Minister Rory Stewart said: “We have good, privatelyrun 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.”