Recommendation 178

The significant backlog in the adjudication process, acknowledged by the Prisons Minister, undermines discipline in prisons. While current policy allows governors to balance punishment with support, we received evidence which shows this is not happening consistently. Some prisoners face no repercussions, while others are removed from rehabilitative programmes. The latter approach is completely counterproductive. The Earned Progression model set out in the Sentencing Bill should incentivise ‘good’ behaviour, such as abstaining from drug use and drug-related activities. However, the model will only be effective if it is underpinned by a reliable and timely adjudication process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 72)