WIREDGOV

The contract to manage Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre in Warwickshire has ended by mutual agreement, Prisons Minister Victoria Atkins confirmed yesterday.

The Ministry of Justice and provider MTC agreed to negotiate the future of its contract, following the decision in June to remove children from the privately-run youth facility amid concerns from Ofsted over safety and performance.

A mutual decision has now been reached to terminate the agreement, ensuring there is no further cost to the taxpayer.

MTC is now supporting its staff working at Rainsbrook to find alternative jobs.

Prisons Minister Victoria Atkins said:

The welfare of the children in custody is our absolute priority which is why we took immediate action to remove them from Rainsbrook in the summer.

Ending the contract means we can now refocus our resources on supporting these often-vulnerable children lead crime-free lives as adults.

Since June, the 33 young offenders previously at Rainsbrook have been moved elsewhere in the youth estate, transitioned to an adult prison or reached their release date.

Work is now underway to determine the future use of the building. Options being considered include repurposing the site for alternative use. A further announcement on this will be made in due course.

Notes to editors

• Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre is an 87-place youth secure establishment in Warwickshire.
• MTC Ltd was awarded a five-year contract, with the option of a two-year extension, to manage Rainsbrook in 2016. The extension was triggered in November 2019.