MPs Lambast “Poor Decisions” Over Prison Lease Extensions and Management

Published on: January 7, 2026

MPs Lambast "Poor Decisions" Over Prison Lease Extensions and Management

LONDON — Members of Parliament have issued a stinging rebuke of the government’s handling of the prison estate, labeling recent lease extensions and contract renewals as “poorly judged” and “risky.” The criticism follows a series of high-profile failures at privately managed facilities and a growing capacity crisis that threatens to paralyze the justice system.

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Table of Contents

Failures at HMP Lowdham Grange

Central to the outcry is the situation at HMP Lowdham Grange. Following a management transition from Serco to Sodexo in 2023, the prison saw a drastic decline in safety, resulting in a government “step-in” to regain control.

MPs on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlighted several key failures:

Inadequate Oversight: The transition was described as “mismanaged,” leading to a surge in violence and drug use.
Financial Waste: Taxpayers are now footing the bill for emergency interventions and contract settlements that MPs argue should have been avoided through better procurement decisions.

A System Near “Total Gridlock”

The broader critique extends to how the government maintains its aging prison infrastructure. With prisoner populations projected to exceed capacity by 2026, MPs argue that the strategy of extending leases on dilapidated Victorian-era buildings is a “sticking-plaster” solution.

“The government is operating on a wing and a prayer,” one committee member noted. “By extending leases on failing or crumbling sites without a realistic building plan, they are creating a powder keg for the next few years.”

Key Concerns at a Glance

Maintenance Backlog: Over £1 billion is needed to address repairs in aging prisons.
Safety Risks: Overcrowded conditions are directly linked to record-high levels of self-harm and staff assaults.
Capacity Gap: Current building projects are lagging years behind schedule, forcing the Ministry of Justice to rely on expensive, short-term lease extensions.

Looking Ahead

The PAC has called for a “root-and-branch” review of how private prison contracts are awarded and monitored. They are demanding a more transparent strategy for the prison estate that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term financial savings.MPs Lambast “Poor Decisions” Over Prison Lease Extensions and Management