Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Paragraph: 69
Allocate substantial funding to improve conditions across the Category B prison estate.
Recommendation
We have not heard compelling evidence to support the creation of dedicated remand prisons in England and Wales—such prisons can be difficult to govern and run effective regimes within. However, some prisons are now at risk of becoming dedicated remand prisons by default as non-remanded prisoners are moved to other types of prison in order to cope with the capacity pressures caused by the growing remand population. The Ministry of Justice should set out whether this is its policy intention; and if it is not, then HMPPS needs to take steps to reduce the remand population in some of its prisons. We note also that Category B prisons often represent the worst of the prison estate, with poor, overcrowded conditions and staffing difficulties. We also recommend that as the Government invests in its prison- building programme, funding must also be allocated to deliver an improvement in conditions in the Category B estate.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government accepted the recommendation, but the response described how Category B prisons manage their curriculum offer and ensure compliance through HMPPS contract management, without addressing the policy intention for dedicated remand prisons or funding for improving physical conditions.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
69
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
We accept this recommendation. We are currently delivering 20,000 additional, modern prison places, which is the largest prison build programme in a century. This programme ensures the right conditions are in place to rehabilitate prisoners, helping to cut crime and protect the public. These places are being delivered through the construction of six new prisons, as well as the expansion and refurbishment of the existing estate and temporary accommodation. We are undertaking major refurbishments at sites including HMP Birmingham, HMP Liverpool and HMP Norwich, delivering 800 cells between them. The wing-by-wing refurbishment at HMP Liverpool will see every cell renovated. We are continuing to invest in prison maintenance so that existing places are safe for prisoners and staff. We are also undertaking an estate-wide condition survey which will help inform future funding decisions and support the development of future facilities management services for prisons.
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