Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted in Part
We have serious concerns around allowing prisoners free and un-fettered access to the internet.
Recommendation
We have serious concerns around allowing prisoners free and un-fettered access to the internet. However, we have been assured that security concerns can be overcome as technology exists which allows access to be restricted to approved content which can be monitored. A change in attitude to technology in prisons is long overdue. The Ministry of Justice must ensure that prisoners are taught the digital skills necessary to live in a digital age and those necessary for employment and life skills. The Ministry of Justice must ensure that prisoners are taught the digital skills necessary to live in a digital age and those necessary for employment and life skills. If security can be assured and access can be monitored and tightly restricted to educational purposes, we recommend that the Ministry of Justice provide in-cell laptops, such as Chromebooks, to prisoners only when undertaking education. (Paragraph 104) Not just another brick in the wall: why prisoners need an education to climb the ladder of opportunity 45
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation in principle and will assess the condition of prison buildings, including education and workshop facilities, over the next 12-18 months.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
We accept this recommendation in principle. A programme of survey work is currently underway to assess the condition of the fabric and critical assets of prison buildings, including education and workshop facilities, within the next 12 to 18 months.