Select Committee · Justice Committee

Ageing prison population

Status: Closed Opened: 15 Apr 2020 Closed: 29 Apr 2021 20 recommendations 1 conclusion 1 report

This inquiry looked at the impact on the prison system of an ageing prison population. Older prisoners are the fastest growing group in prisons and they have specific needs. We explored what these needs are and how they are catered for by the prison system. We also looked at the impact of coronavirus on older … Show more

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Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
5th Report - Ageing prison population HC 304 27 Jul 2020 21 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

2 items
19 Recommendation 5th Report - Ageing prison population Accepted

We are concerned about reports of older prisoners being released without prescription medication or without...

We are concerned about reports of older prisoners being released without prescription medication or without being registered with a GP. We recommend all older prisoners are supported to register with a GP prior to release; where a prisoner is unable to do so, they should be provided with guidance and … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation regarding GP registration, stating that work is underway to pre-register older prisoners with GPs in their release area, with formal registration completed on release day.
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Ministry of Justice
21 Recommendation 5th Report - Ageing prison population Accepted

An ageing prison population creates specific pressures on the prison system.

An ageing prison population creates specific pressures on the prison system. Currently, the response to these and the treatment of older prisoners is highly inconsistent across the prison estate. Though the Model for Operational Delivery: Older Prisoners contains useful operational guidance, it is not enough to address this inconsistency and … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government agrees to produce a national strategy for older offenders, confirming that work has commenced with strategic priorities aligned to the committee's recommendations, including suitable environments, purposeful regimes, health and care access, and effective resettlement. An update will be provided upon publication.
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Ministry of Justice

Correspondence

3 letters
DateDirectionTitle
2 Jul 2020 Ageing prison population inquiry written evidence from Prisons & Probation Ombu…
2 Jul 2020 Ageing prison population written evidence from Ministry of Justice, Department …
1 Jul 2020 To cttee Letter from Sue McAllister CB, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, dated 12 June 2…