Long Lartin

Response
I understand the Board’s concerns about drones and that preventative action needs to be taken. No fly zones were introduced via a change in legislation which came into effect on 25 January 2024 with drone operators now facing a fine of up to £2500 for flying within 400m of a closed prison or young offender institution. In addition, the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 allows prisons to authorise the use of counter-drone technology and the Police to stop and search those suspected of committing drone-related crimes. Other options are also being explored to mitigate this growing risk, including technological deployments and resourcing to maximise their impact, and cross government work is assessing the effectiveness in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The HMPPS Directorate of Security is continuing to work to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones targeting our prisons. A Drone Initiative has been launched to assess the risk and deliver actions across the whole prison estate, working closely with the National Crime Agency. A comprehensive vulnerability assessment has been undertaken with HMP Long Lartin to understand their local threats and identify appropriate mitigations. This analysis revealed some minor physical vulnerabilities that have since been addressed by the prison and more complex vulnerabilities, including windows and netting which require funding. Regionally, the Long Term and High Security Estate (LTHSE) is also working to develop tactical outcomes using intelligence informed options subject to resourcing and cost. It is recognised that technology is the best solution to stop drones flying into prisons and as part of the bid to the HM Treasury for the next Spending Review this will seek funding for capability, resource and physical countermeasures to address vulnerabilities. In the interim, HMP Long Lartin have had success with its local contingencies to deal with drones being sighted, conducting reactive searches to seize packages before prisoners retrieve and distribute items.

Response
Regarding the security systems, due to the age of the surveillance equipment there is always some risk of faults, however the prison continues to have sufficient coverage within the prison to maintain its security. There is also ongoing work by the facilities management provider to repair equipment when it breaks down despite some difficulties with obsolete components. Where appropriate the prison does submit bids to upgrade the system and it acknowledged there has been a delay to a project being developed to upgrade the security system at HMP Long Lartin across B, C and D wings due to supply chain issues. As this is unlikely to be resolved quickly, the project will be retendered, but will remain part of the capital maintenance programme.

Response
There are also other projects to improve the infrastructure at HMP Long Lartin, with investment of around £9.7 million including the replacement of the high and low voltage cabling, replacing the fire and water mains, and installing macerators. There is also work ongoing to complete in-cell telephony, as well work already completed to refurbish Healthcare which is addressed within the Annex. Projects are also pending to introduce a new kitchen, with a quotation sought in the interim to make temporary repairs to the roof and to address the roofing in the centre of the prison. Turning to the night sanitation system, this is now more robust following the £8.5 million replacement project, which also fully upgraded the ablutions across A-D Wing to provide decent, fit for purpose facilities. However, the system can be susceptible to entering a fault state when subjected to abuse, for example should prisoners kick their cell doors. It is acknowledged that the only solution to provide all cells with running water and sanitation would be a refurbishment including structural changes or new replacement wings which would require significant capital funding. Whilst there is an annualised capital maintenance allocation agreed with HM Treasury this is being primarily being invested to make sure prison places remain in use and make other improvements wherever possible. It remains the case that demands for maintenance are greater than the available funding. Therefore, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is having to prioritise bids very carefully to make best use of that funding, focusing on risk to life and risk to capacity and decency. HMPPS is developing a Long-term Prison Estate Strategy beyond the current spending review period investment. The Strategy’s proposals will be underpinned by condition surveys that are already underway to assess the fabric, cells, and critical assets at each prison. These will inform long-term forward maintenance registers, which can be prioritised against future capital budgets.

Response
Turning to the night sanitation system, this is now more robust following the £8.5 million replacement project, which also fully upgraded the ablutions across A-D Wing to provide decent, fit for purpose facilities. However, the system can be susceptible to entering a fault state when subjected to abuse, for example should prisoners kick their cell doors. It is acknowledged that the only solution to provide all cells with running water and sanitation would be a refurbishment including structural changes or new replacement wings which would require significant capital funding. Whilst there is an annualised capital maintenance allocation agreed with HM Treasury this is being primarily being invested to make sure prison places remain in use and make other improvements wherever possible. It remains the case that demands for maintenance are greater than the available funding. Therefore, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is having to prioritise bids very carefully to make best use of that funding, focusing on risk to life and risk to capacity and decency. HMPPS is developing a Long-term Prison Estate Strategy beyond the current spending review period investment. The Strategy’s proposals will be underpinned by condition surveys that are already underway to assess the fabric, cells, and critical assets at each prison. These will inform long-term forward maintenance registers, which can be prioritised against future capital budgets.

Response
Due to only recently taking office and diary constraints I am unable to commit to a timescale to visit HMP Long Lartin but look forward to visiting as many prisons and probation delivery units in due course.

Response
I understand the Board’s concerns about drones and that preventative action needs to be taken. No fly zones were introduced via a change in legislation which came into effect on 25 January 2024 with drone operators now facing a fine of up to £2500 for flying within 400m of a closed prison or young offender institution. In addition, the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 allows prisons to authorise the use of counter-drone technology and the Police to stop and search those suspected of committing drone-related crimes. Other options are also being explored to mitigate this growing risk, including technological deployments and resourcing to maximise their impact, and cross government work is assessing the effectiveness in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The HMPPS Directorate of Security is continuing to work to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones targeting our prisons. A Drone Initiative has been launched to assess the risk and deliver actions across the whole prison estate, working closely with the National Crime Agency. A comprehensive vulnerability assessment has been undertaken with HMP Long Lartin to understand their local threats and identify appropriate mitigations. This analysis revealed some minor physical vulnerabilities that have since been addressed by the prison and more complex vulnerabilities, including windows and netting which require funding. Regionally, the Long Term and High Security Estate (LTHSE) is also working to develop tactical outcomes using intelligence informed options subject to resourcing and cost. It is recognised that technology is the best solution to stop drones flying into prisons and as part of the bid to the HM Treasury for the next Spending Review this will seek funding for capability, resource and physical countermeasures to address vulnerabilities. In the interim, HMP Long Lartin have had success with its local contingencies to deal with drones being sighted, conducting reactive searches to seize packages before prisoners retrieve and distribute items.

Response
Regarding the security systems, due to the age of the surveillance equipment there is always some risk of faults, however the prison continues to have sufficient coverage within the prison to maintain its security. There is also ongoing work by the facilities management provider to repair equipment when it breaks down despite some difficulties with obsolete components. Where appropriate the prison does submit bids to upgrade the system and it acknowledged there has been a delay to a project being developed to upgrade the security system at HMP Long Lartin across B, C and D wings due to supply chain issues. As this is unlikely to be resolved quickly, the project will be retendered, but will remain part of the capital maintenance programme. Further to last year’s response, risk reduction meetings were held with the facilities management provider’s senior management team and it is acknowledged that the root cause of performance issues relate to recruitment and retention. Whilst there have been some improvements in communication and reactive repairs, the facilities management team remain short of permanent staff which is limiting progress. Actions are being taken to fill site the manager, regional manager, and other supervisor roles, as well as the provider investigating enhanced payment terms to attract more candidates.

Response
There are also other projects to improve the infrastructure at HMP Long Lartin, with investment of around £9.7 million including the replacement of the high and low voltage cabling, replacing the fire and water mains, and installing macerators. There is also work ongoing to complete in-cell telephony, as well work already completed to refurbish Healthcare which is addressed within the Annex. Projects are also pending to introduce a new kitchen, with a quotation sought in the interim to make temporary repairs to the roof and to address the roofing in the centre of the prison. Turning to the night sanitation system, this is now more robust following the £8.5 million replacement project, which also fully upgraded the ablutions across A-D Wing to provide decent, fit for purpose facilities. However, the system can be susceptible to entering a fault state when subjected to abuse, for example should prisoners kick their cell doors. It is acknowledged that the only solution to provide all cells with running water and sanitation would be a refurbishment including structural changes or new replacement wings which would require significant capital funding. Whilst there is an annualised capital maintenance allocation agreed with HM Treasury this is being primarily being invested to make sure prison places remain in use and make other improvements wherever possible. It remains the case that demands for maintenance are greater than the available funding. Therefore, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is having to prioritise bids very carefully to make best use of that funding, focusing on risk to life and risk to capacity and decency. HMPPS is developing a Long-term Prison Estate Strategy beyond the current spending review period investment. The Strategy’s proposals will be underpinned by condition surveys that are already underway to assess the fabric, cells, and critical assets at each prison. These will inform long-term forward maintenance registers, which can be prioritised against future capital budgets.

Response
Further to last year’s response, risk reduction meetings were held with the facilities management provider’s senior management team and it is acknowledged that the root cause of performance issues relate to recruitment and retention. Whilst there have been some improvements in communication and reactive repairs, the facilities management team remain short of permanent staff which is limiting progress. Actions are being taken to fill site the manager, regional manager, and other supervisor roles, as well as the provider investigating enhanced payment terms to attract more candidates.

Response
NHS England recognises the issues within the in-patient facility and will continue to work with HMPPS to address them. The in-patient facility has undergone refurbishment to improve the standard of accommodation, including introducing new beds, toilet and sink units and flooring, as well as painting and decorating to make the environment fit for purpose. Whilst there are limitations in the types of therapeutic interventions that can be delivered in the in-patient facility, an in-patient’s policy has been agreed between the prison and Healthcare service provider which will contribute to an improved care for patients. Regular governance meetings will also continue to take place with the prison, NHS England commissioners and providers to monitor the level of care being provided.

Response
Despite implementation of the Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework in September 2022, HMPPS acknowledges the Board’s continued concerns about transferring and standardising prisoners’ property. The Framework placed an emphasis on ensuring compliance with volumetric control limits, since anything within these limits will be transferred with the prisoner. Volumetric control limits apply to all prisons and the Framework contained a leaflet to explain these limits to prisoners. In addition, the introduction of the digitally recorded Person Escort Record includes a property section to accurately record the number and type of sealed property owned by and transferred with the prisoner and this has assisted with the few investigations for property that is lost in transit with PECS suppliers. During the 12 months up to April 2024 there had been no complaints relating to prisoner property received from HMP Long Lartin in relation to the loss of property attributed to PECS. The Framework also introduced a new requirement that prisons must transfer excess property within four weeks unless there are exceptional circumstances which make this impossible. An emphasis has been placed on the accurate recording of items, making clear that Governors should ensure that management checks take place to have confidence that prisoners’ property is being handled correctly and with care. Locally, HMP Long Lartin has recently put in place procedures to improve volumetric control, the handling of property in reception and better controls in the movement of property within and into the prison. However, the Governor would welcome discussing improvements further with the Board. HMPPS will also continue to monitor the impact of the new Framework going forward to look at what further improvements can be made.

Response
Regarding the security systems, due to the age of the surveillance equipment there is always some risk of faults, however the prison continues to have sufficient coverage within the prison to maintain its security. There is also ongoing work by the facilities management provider to repair equipment when it breaks down despite some difficulties with obsolete components. Where appropriate the prison does submit bids to upgrade the system and it acknowledged there has been a delay to a project being developed to upgrade the security system at HMP Long Lartin across B, C and D wings due to supply chain issues. As this is unlikely to be resolved quickly, the project will be retendered, but will remain part of the capital maintenance programme.

Response
Projects are also pending to introduce a new kitchen, with a quotation sought in the interim to make temporary repairs to the roof and to address the roofing in the centre of the prison. Further to last year’s response, risk reduction meetings were held with the facilities management provider’s senior management team and it is acknowledged that the root cause of performance issues relate to recruitment and retention. Whilst there have been some improvements in communication and reactive repairs, the facilities management team remain short of permanent staff which is limiting progress. Actions are being taken to fill site the manager, regional manager, and other supervisor roles, as well as the provider investigating enhanced payment terms to attract more candidates.

Response
HMP Long Lartin has also re-introduced cleaning parties to clean the prison and clear litter daily which is thrown from cell windows.

Response
I was encouraged to read that prisoners have maximized the use of the comprehensive gym programme on offer and I understand that the new Governor has been making further improvements to the regime to provide prisoners with more purposeful activity, I look forward to the Board’s report on progress in the forthcoming year.

Response
Despite implementation of the Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework in September 2022, HMPPS acknowledges the Board’s continued concerns about transferring and standardising prisoners’ property. The Framework placed an emphasis on ensuring compliance with volumetric control limits, since anything within these limits will be transferred with the prisoner. Volumetric control limits apply to all prisons and the Framework contained a leaflet to explain these limits to prisoners. In addition, the introduction of the digitally recorded Person Escort Record includes a property section to accurately record the number and type of sealed property owned by and transferred with the prisoner and this has assisted with the few investigations for property that is lost in transit with PECS suppliers. During the 12 months up to April 2024 there had been no complaints relating to prisoner property received from HMP Long Lartin in relation to the loss of property attributed to PECS. The Framework also introduced a new requirement that prisons must transfer excess property within four weeks unless there are exceptional circumstances which make this impossible. An emphasis has been placed on the accurate recording of items, making clear that Governors should ensure that management checks take place to have confidence that prisoners’ property is being handled correctly and with care. Locally, HMP Long Lartin has recently put in place procedures to improve volumetric control, the handling of property in reception and better controls in the movement of property within and into the prison. However, the Governor would welcome discussing improvements further with the Board. HMPPS will also continue to monitor the impact of the new Framework going forward to look at what further improvements can be made.