Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted
Paragraph: 131
Require the Government to address using prisons as 'places of safety' for the acutely unwell.
Recommendation
We continue to believe that it is not acceptable for the custodial environment to be used as a ‘place of safety’ for the acutely unwell, or for a person’s ‘own protection’. Community settings also have a duty of care to individuals, and prisons should not be regarded as a solution to the failings of care and protection in the community. We reiterate the recommendations made in our Report ‘Mental Health in Prison’, and seek an update from the Government on the steps it is taking to address the use of prison as a place of safety or for a person’s own protection.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that governors work with NHS commissioners and providers to ensure timely access to healthcare, and Local Prison Health Delivery Boards plan responses, describing existing arrangements rather than new steps to prevent using prison as a place of safety.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
131
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
NHSE We accept this recommendation. The draft Mental Health Bill, published for pre-legislative scrutiny on 27th June, includes reforms to prevent courts from using prison as a place of safety. This means that defendants and convicted people awaiting an assessment or treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 will be transferred directly to a therapeutic setting. The draft Bill also includes reforms to the Bail Act 1976 to prevent defendants being remanded to custody for their own protection, solely on the grounds of mental health. MoJ has established a cross-agency working group to develop and deliver a clear implementation plan to safely operationalise these changes and ensure that those who are acutely unwell can access the care they need more swiftly.
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