KIRKHAM Prison has become a victim of its own success.

The prison has become so efficient at raising its own capital through its industrial workshops, further budget cuts are to be brought in to save government cash.

And soon, every prisoner could soon be working full time to keep the facility in the black.

Further budget cuts are expected because of the amount of revenue its prisoners create in workshops, according to the prison's latest inspection report.

The report describes Kirkham as a thriving and successful prison, with only one main gripe - that because of the emphasis on work, many prisoners are missing out on education.

Kirkham's governor Alf Jennings said: "It is very pleasing to get a good report - the whole thing is down to the commitment and hard work of the staff here.

"It is very positive. Of course there are criticisms and recommendations which we won't treat with complacency. We will take them and build on them.

"Every prison has to make efficiency savings and we've already been able to meet next year's - a lot of it will come from our industrial contribution."

Sir David Ramsbotham, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: "In effect, the prison is being expected to contribute a significant amount of its running costs.

"Further budget cuts would mean the prison having to increase revenue in order to fund the annual budget, which would only be possible if every prisoner is employed full time.

"This would not allow the needs of those who require education or offending behaviour courses to be met."

Richard Tilt, director general of the Prison Service added: "Kirkham's enterprises generate receipts for the prison and as well as providing employment for prisoners and they remain its priority.

"It will be possible to continue with other aspects of the regime, and the evening and weekend education programme has in fact been expanded."

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