Staffordshire villagers 'taxed' for crimes in prisons
Home Office officials are considering if anything can be done to resolve an unfair 'tax' on residents of two Staffordshire villages because of crimes at nearby prisons.
Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, approached the Policing Minister after discovering crimes committed at HMP Featherstone, HMP Oakwood and HMYOI Brinsford are included in official figures published by the police for Essington and Featherstone.
The Tory MP claimed it is boosting house insurance costs for his constituents in Featherstone and Brinsford, where all three prisons are located.
He has now welcomed 'progress' on the issue after being told by the Policing Minster, Mike Penning MP, that the case has been raised in the Home Office and that, pending further evidence, he will look closer to see what can be done.
Mr Williamson, said: "Residents in Featherstone and Brinsford were growing increasingly worried about the rising number of crimes being reported as having happened in the area, when in fact they include incidents that have taken place in the prisons.
"I am pleased that progress has been made on this and that the Prisons Minister has raised this issue in the Home Office and that further action may be taken. I will continue to apply pressure on them to seek a solution to this very serious issue."
South Staffordshire has the largest prison population in the country, with over 3,000 inmates in HMP Featherstone, HMP Oakwood and HMYOI Brinsford.
In 2014, HMP Oakwood had the 12th highest assaults figure out of 146 sites across the country, with 63. Featherstone recorded 24 while Brinsford, which houses young offenders, recorded 69.
In March, Mr Williamson vowed to fight any plans for a fourth prison at the complex.
Rumours emerged after it was revealed that up to 500 extra prisoners would move to HMP Oakwood, with its capacity increasing to 2,100 from 1,600.
The Ministry of Justice and operator G4S are converting some single cells to accommodate two inmates. It is part of a major redevelopment plan of the country's prisons.
Mr Williamson said that empty land next to the prisons had sparked concerns locally that the Ministry of Justice may look to build another prison or extend significantly.
At the time the Ministry of Justice said it had no plans to build a new prison at Featherstone.
