HMP Birmingham is a ‘local’ prison and its primary function is to serve courts in the area and hold short-sentenced prisoners as they approach their release. As such, the onward allocation of sentenced prisoners to other establishments so they can progress with their respective sentence plans is normal for this type of prison. On 20 August HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) announced that there would be a temporary reduction in Birmingham’s capacity by 300 places. The capacity reduction was carefully managed and we worked closely with Governors across the estate to mitigate the impact elsewhere. The reduction in places was delivered through end of sentence releases, the diversion of court allocations to other prisons in the region and routine allocations of men to other establishments as part of their sentence progression. Men were transferred under the same criteria as all prison moves, taking into account a range of factors such as security category, resettlement needs and release address, offending behaviour needs and personal circumstances. Establishments which have received prisoners from HMP Birmingham since 20 August include: Brinsford, Dovegate, Featherstone, Garth, Lowdham Grange, Oakwood, Parc, Stoke Heath, Sudbury, Swaleside and Swinfen Hall.