Home Office announces new contractor to run Brook House and Tinsley House
Serco Ltd has been awarded the contract to manage Brook House and Tinsley House immigration removal centres, following an open and rigorous procurement process.
The contract awarded by the Home Office will begin on 21 May 2020. It includes ambitious plans to improve the 2 centres in Gatwick.
As part of the new contract, Serco will:
The improvements are further steps to modernise the immigration detention estate, as well as responding to the former Prison Ombudsman, Stephen Shaw’s two reports on detention.
The contract includes improved performance monitoring to ensure detainees’ health and welfare are prioritised. Financial penalties will be considered if there are any dips in performance standards.
Immigration Minister Kevin Foster said:
The government’s priorities for immigration detention reform include minimising the use of detention and strengthening decision-making and safeguards for the vulnerable, while continuing to tackle abuse of the immigration system.
These reforms already mean that:
Serco Ltd already manage Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre on behalf of the Home Office. Their contract for Brook House and Tinsley House will last until 2028, with an option to extend until 2030.
G4S currently run Brook House and Tinsley House, which includes pre-departure accommodation. The Home Office is working closely with G4S and Serco Ltd to ensure a smooth transition.