Ministry of Justice takes over running of HMP Lowdham Grange from Sodexo to improve safety and security

The government has today taken over the running of a prison to improve its safety and security.

The Ministry of Justice announced today (December 18) it had taken over HMP Lowdham Grange, in Lowdham, for an interim period.

HMP Lowdham Grange is a Category B men's private prison, which was previously run by Sodexo Justice Services.

Earlier this year, following inspectors’ visit the prison for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons’ report, the facility was described by a watchdog as being left with “almost every aspect of a prison in turmoil”, with fourteen deaths and rising violence recorded since the previous inspection in 2018.

It closely followed the changeover of private operators, from Serco to Sodexo.

A Sodexo spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS at this time, and our primary focus remains on ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone who lives and works at the prison.”