Reform for worst jails after damning report

Troubleshooters were sent in to a prison and young offenders institution to try to turn them around following damning inspections.

Both Brinsford Young Offenders Institute and HMP Oakwood were given poor rankings out of the 126 jails in England and Wales.

Prisons minister Andrew Selous revealed in a letter to South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson that work was being done to improve the jails in Featherstone near Wolverhampton.

Brinsford was officially the worst as National Offender Management Service (NOMS), which works to cut re-offending once prisoners are released, rated it 'of serious concern' – the only jail to get such a grade in a report published in August.

Neighbouring HMP Oakwood, which is run by private firm G4S, was ranked as 'of concern' but had improved on last year. In April Brinsford faced calls to shut after inmates were found to be living in dirty cells which contained graffiti and were poorly furnished.

The conditions came to light following an unannounced inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. A report added that some did not have window panes, leaving inmates exposed to the elements, and there was no toilet screening in a number of shared cells. Mr Selous's letter revealed talks were held with prison bosses following inspections by NOMS.

He said: "Brinsford is receiving support and resources to address issues raised by the inspectorate team. A delegation from NOMS Business Development Group recently visited to meet the governor and agreed measures to deliver a more consistent and more sustainable regime that is safe, decent and sure.

"The establishment has been given an increase in resources to support implementation of these measures."

The letter went onto to say NOMS officially has been working with G4S over the performance of the £150 million HMP Oakwood.

It added: "I am committed to ensuring prisons remain safe, decent and secure."

Mr Williamson said he was pleased that the prisons were getting support, adding: "

The money has been put in and there are more resources. It shows that Brinsford and Oakwood are being watched closely."