EFFORTS to improve conditions for detainees at Campsfield House immigration removal centre have stalled, according to inspectors.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said not enough had been done to deal with problems – particularly in healthcare and education – raised by his predecessor Dame Anne Owers after an inspection of the UK Borders Agency centre in Kidlington two years ago.

His officials made an unannounced three-day inspection in May, shortly before operation of the centre – which houses about 200 people – passed from Geo Group to Mitie on May 30.

The inspectors praised the way newly-arrived detainees were supported, said detainees felt safe and there was little bullying or use of force, noted relationships between staff and detainees were satisfactory, work placement arrangements had improved and access to phones and email was good.

But they said there were “significant weaknesses in healthcare services”, education provision had not improved, decisions to place detainees in the separation unit were not always properly authorised and better interpreting services were needed, along with more notices in foreign languages.

Alan Kittle, the UK Border Agency’s director of detention services, said: “We’re pleased that this report confirms Campsfield House continues to be a particularly well-operated centre, that it provides a safe and secure place for staff and detainees and that relationships between them both are positive.

“We will consider the contents of this report.”