On 20 August 2018, the UK Government announced it would be taking over Birmingham Prison from the private firm G4S, after an inspection uncovered “appalling” conditions, squalor and violence. The Ministry of Justice has assumed control of the establishment for at least six months, after which the prison will be returned to G4S if sufficient progress has been made. G4S welcomed the move, saying the prison, which it has managed since October 2011, faces “exceptional challenges”.