Should all UK prisons be run by the state rather than private companies?
Around 15-17% of prisons in England and Wales are currently operated by private companies such as Serco, G4S and Sodexo under contracts with the Ministry of Justice, which continues to tender for private operators as seen in the 2026 competition for HMP Rye Hill. The remainder are run directly by the public sector. Private involvement dates back to the early 1990s and forms part of a mixed economy aimed at delivering custodial services, though recent contracts and extensions reflect ongoing scrutiny over performance, costs and safety across both sectors.
33 Opinions
Prisons are correctional facilities not for making profit.
I agree that for once state is probably better than privately run prisons.
I don't agree that private prisons run for profit and with costs cut to the bone will deliver efficiency and savings and fairness and safety. Invest in the state system, and run it properly.
I believe in free markets but I am queasy with the idea that private companies can run prisons. For me the State cannot abrogate the responsibilities it has assumed & palm them off to save money. Prisons are already underfunded & not run well but whilst the private sector will be more efficient is it right they do the State’s dirty work. I think not. I want no blurred lines in holding the State to account for failings - no bucks waiting to be passed.
No, some private prisons should exist as test beds of different practice, under Inspectorate supervision.
The reform needed is to make the state a better, smarter purchaser.
Contract conditions ensure that private jails are held to a much higher standard than state run institutions. I know, I worked at one. Prisoners who came in from state prisons were surprised to find a clean, safe environment and an opportunity to work or study in comparison to the jail they came from. I saw this in the letters and emails the prisoners sent out. Contracted prisons are subject to the same HMP Inspectorate reviews - they're online, take a look.
Yes. Prisons are a fundamental responsibility of the state, not a commercial opportunity. The deprivation of liberty, public protection and rehabilitation must remain directly accountable to the taxpayer and Parliament. Private operators should not profit from incarceration while the government retains ultimate responsibility when things go wrong. Bring prisons back under state control, enforce rigorous standards, expand capacity and ensure sentences are properly served.
The track record of the private suppliers is terrible. Another idiotic privatisation.
Contracts such as these are never value for money in the long term. The quality of staff emplyoyed are also questionable. Funding needs to be utilised to develop further jail capacity.