Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
We have previously reported that the Ministry and HMPPS’ management of the prison estate has...
Conclusion
We have previously reported that the Ministry and HMPPS’ management of the prison estate has resulted in a staggering backlog of maintenance work.21 The backlog in maintenance is now estimated at £1 billion. The recent spending review included £315 million in 2020–21 to address this, significantly below what is required to maintain the prison estate. We raised the risk that, without enough funding to meet resource pressures, the Ministry and HMPPS could again end up redirecting capital funding to gaps in the budget. The Ministry told us it was confident that HM Treasury understood the value for money implications of insufficiently funding the maintenance backlog and that they were in discussions to secure future funding to meet the challenge.22 Continued strain on frontline staff
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5.4 The department's Spending Review settlement for 2021-22 will provide £315 million in capital funding in this financial year to improve the condition of the existing estate. This welcome increase in capital funding will mean that the programme of critical refurbishment projects across the prison estate can be extended to begin tackling the backlog. 5.5 The department is committed to developing a robust long-term strategy for the prison estate and already has clear and robust plans for capital maintenance and refurbishment. The programme of work for the coming year has a sharp focus on improving safety and compliance across the estate, with additional investment in fire safety which includes investing in replacement accommodation at the sites most critically affected by the rapid removal from service of unsafe and non-compliant modular accommodation units. 5.6 As part of the department's long-term strategy, there will be more pro-active and strategic investments in assets to ensure that key equipment and systems in prisons remain in good working order and to prolong their working life. 5.7 The department remains ambitious to improve rehabilitative outcomes for prisoners, whilst creating a more modern and safer environment for prisoners and staff.