AN EAST Yorkshire prison could be put in the hands of a new private operator under a shake-up of the jail system.
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said HMP Wolds would be one of nine prisons put out to competition in the autumn, while two others are set to close.
The category B jail is among four Yorkshire prisons which will be opened up to private bids.
Mr Clarke said: “The public have a right to expect continuing improvement in the quality and efficiency of public services, without compromising safety.
“The competition strategy and adjustments to the prison estate will help ensure this is the case.”
The Ministry of Justice said the prisons selected to go out for competition were chosen because of “the potential for efficiency improvements, service reform and innovation” and not on the basis of “poor performance”.
HMP Wolds is currently run by security firm G4S, which is nearing the end of its current contract, while all the others could be privately-run for the first time.
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