Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 169
169
High prison population and overcrowding exacerbate drug demand by limiting purposeful activity and support.
Conclusion
The high prison population and overcrowding lead to a lack of purposeful activity and poor mental health support which exacerbate the existing drivers of drug demand. Efforts to reduce demand are therefore made more challenging and complex. This undermines any chance that prisoners might have of rehabilitation as it makes avoidance almost impossible for those attempting to change. (Conclusion, Paragraph 47)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 9 January 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗