Reports published 3 August

HMP Birmingham

Type of inspection: Independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 22–24 June 2026

Summary of findings: Although rates of self-harm and violence had reduced following the appointment of a new governor, there was still too much violence and prisoners said they continued to feel unsafe because of the widespread availability of drugs. The prison was cleaner than at the full inspection, but vermin and overcrowding compromised decency. Efforts had been made to embed the reading strategy, improve outreach education for vulnerable prisoners and make the visitors centre more welcoming, but the booking system for visits remained completely inadequate.

Points to note: Acutely mentally unwell men continued to be sent to Birmingham prison without having had a Mental Health Act assessment while in police or court custody to potentially divert them to a more appropriate setting. Once there, they waited far too long for a transfer to secure hospital.

Read the report: HMP Birmingham

Custody facilities in Crown Courts, Royal Courts of Justice and immigration and asylum chambers in London

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 1–12 June 2026

Summary of findings: Staff treated detainees with respect and compassion, and detainees were overwhelmingly positive about the care they received. Persistent failures in investment, maintenance and cleaning, however, meant many detainees were held in poor conditions. Detainees often arrived late from prison, many spent longer in custody than necessary, and many had an excessive wait for transfer following conclusion of their cases. Children were too often locked in cells without good reason.

Points to note: Staff were not trained in emergency resuscitation frequently enough, there was no access to nicotine replacement products, and released detainees were often not given the means to travel all the way home.

Read the report: Crown Courts, Royal Courts of Justice and immigration and asylum chambers in London