Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 42
42
Acknowledged
Access to vital prison library services increasingly constrained, risking loss of provision
Conclusion
Prison libraries play a vital role in supporting rehabilitation by providing an alternative educational space for prisoners that fosters literacy and reading. However, access to these services is increasingly constrained by issues across the estate, and an unsustainable commissioning model. 87 Without recognition and action from the Government, prisons risk losing this essential service, undermining efforts to support desistance and rehabilitation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 183) Health and wellbeing services in prisons
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges that increased costs mean reductions in core education delivery hours (20-25% by October 2025) are necessary, but is implementing a revised funding formula, new education contracts, and digital systems to protect quality and evaluate future delivery plans, without directly committing to preventing the loss of prison library services.
Government Response
The government responded to this report on 30 January 2026. No passage in that response could be matched to this conclusion. Read the response document ↗