Serco wins £70m home office contract

The Home Office has awarded outsourcing group Serco a £70m contract to continue managing an immigration centre over the next eight years.

The contract will commence 26 April 2015 and will offer an extension option for a further three years. Serco has operated the centre since December 2006.

The Yarl’s Wood immigration centre houses up to 410 immigration detainees in Bedford. Serco currently operates the site’s custody, detainee welfare and recreational activities.

A Home office spokesperson said in a statement that "Serco’s bid demonstrated that its offer was the best in meeting quality and cost criteria and providing value for money for the taxpayer."

As of 15:15 on Monday, Serco's share price fell 1.18% to 168p per share.