Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 172
172
Accepted
Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of prison violence and systemic instability.
Conclusion
Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of violence, coercion and systemic instability within the prison estate. The prevalence of drugs creates a shadow economy where debts, which can accrue up to £10,000, are collected through intimidation and violence. The consequences extend beyond the prison walls, with criminal networks coercing family members to pay a prisoner’s debt, sometimes through sexual favours, smuggling or cuckooing. Furthermore, those in debt are routinely exploited, being forced to test new drugs, hold weapons, assault staff, and undermine security. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government has developed a 'Send legal mail to prisons' digital service to secure legal correspondence and is exploring new technologies to screen legal mail for illicit substances. They are committed to strengthening mail security, though mandating the digital service requires legislative change.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
Reject We recognise how SOC operators can exploit vulnerable prisoners, creating debt and driving violence and self-harm, which undermines safety and stability across the prison estate. However, we do not accept the recommendation to segregate individuals solely on the basis of Organised Crime Group (OCG) involvement, as this would not be allowed under current legislation. We have recently commissioned work to consider how regimes for prisoners linked to SOC groups can be managed more effectively, drawing on research, evidence and learning from our overseas partners. We are also improving our understanding of the nature, extent, and repercussions of debt within prisons, including its impact on violence, through a major external research study. We anticipate receiving the final report from the academic leading the research in 2026, which will inform future policy decisions.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗