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
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
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partially Accept 88. The national prison education budget has not been cut. However, the cost of delivering high-quality education has increased significantly in recent years. Although the budget has slightly increased in cash terms, it has not kept pace with these rising costs. This has meant in some prisons are facing a reduction in education delivery hours. 89. To ensure the service remains affordable and sustainable, we have had to make difficult decisions to focus the curriculum more effectively and are working closely with providers to maximise value for money. As a result, some reductions in the volume of Core Education delivered will be necessary from October 2025. We anticipate a national reduction of around 20–25%, subject to final analysis. 90. A revised funding formula has been introduced to ensure fair allocation based on prison population and regional cost differences. This means some prisons will experience greater reductions, while others will see increases. These changes apply only to Core Education contracts and do not affect other education services such as libraries, careers advice, distance learning, or vocational training delivered through industries and workshops. Future funding is depending on cross-Government spending decisions. We will continue to work on how to maximise delivery for the funding available. 91. To improve prison education, we are investing in digital infrastructure, new assessment tools, and specialist staff to ensure that every pound spent delivers the greatest possible impact for learners. Governors will retain flexibility to commission additional provision through the Prison Education Dynamic Purchasing System to meet the needs of their local prisoner cohort. 92. Our priority is to protect quality and focus on the most effective interventions. New Prison Education Service contracts set clearer expectations for screening and assessment, including support for learners with additional learning needs. New digital systems will expand access to secure online content, reduce repeated assessments, and improve tracking of learner progress. To further mitigate pressures, we are also asking governors to maximise attendance and classroom capacity so that the impact of reduced delivery volumes on prisoner participation is minimised. 93. We are developing a strategy to evaluate prison education, which will inform future delivery plans. We welcome engagement with the Justice Select Committee as insights emerge.