Other
Repeated
Will the Minister once again consider the re-sentencing of IPP prisoners, many of whom have been in prison far beyond their original tariff.
Other
Will the Minister consider the introduction of a national minimum wage for prisoners. The rates of pay vary considerable between prisons, yet prisoners nationally must pay the same for canteen and catalogue items. Prisoners are obviously not able to leave employment to move to a higher paid job.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
if there is to be an increase in prisoner numbers at HMP Bure above the agreed number of 643, then provision must also be made for more work for prisoners. Even at present there are not enough work opportunities for the existing numbers. We are acutely aware that there are not enough activity places at HMP Bure. Fewer than 66% of working age prisoners are engaged in purposeful activity and some prisoners say they are bored.
Estate/Conditions
if the numbers are to increase, the existing recreational space and garden areas should not be utilised. Consideration should be given to extending the existing fencing. There is also a need to improve the regime for older prisoners.
Staffing
even more could be done if funding was made available for proper administration support rather than just relying on existing staff going above and beyond.
Safety
The Board has noticed an increase in self-harm and this needs to be investigated by the prison.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Residential unit 7 heating. Full acceptance but work not done in financial year, therefore, funding was lost. Resubmitted for funding and decision on latest bid by end of financial year.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Solar Panels. Fitted in 2020 With an expectation of saving money. They have never worked.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
In cell telephony. When? Present telephones on landings make private calls difficult. Work on in-cell telephones to start spring 2023 for completion by the end of the year.
Source wording under review
Staffing
less contact with key workers and prisoner offender managers (POMs) than is desirable. Some prisoners even claim to not know the name of their POM. The Board has raised this issue with the prison management.
Segregation
on occasions, there have been extended stays of up to 42 days by one or two difficult individuals and, from time to time, the Board feels that a change of establishment may be the only way forward and should be considered at an earlier stage. We feel that more support is needed in this area from regional management.
Healthcare
at night there are 643 prisoners, many of whom are elderly, and there is no formal medical care on site. The prison therefore uses NHS 111 which tends to be risk adverse. This means that the advice given is to go to A&E in Norwich. This then has a serious impact due to staff being taken off duty to escort prisoners.