Winchester

What is the Minister’s plan to resolve the issue of permanent cell overcrowding and the fact that prison service instruction (PSI) 17/2012 states prisoners must be ‘able to use the wc with some privacy’ (see sections 3.2, 4.4, 5.1), which is impossible to achieve in HMP Winchester?

I note the Board’s concerns about prisoners sharing cells and while these places often meet HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) standards for crowded accommodation, holding two people in a cell designed for one person is not desirable. It is worth noting that since March 2021, we have seen a fall in the national prison population by approximately 4,800, which had led to a reduction in the number of prisoners sharing cells. Understandably this was primarily driven by a reduction in inflows from the courts during the heights of Covid-19. However, despite this, HMP Winchester has needed to continue operating in excess of its certified normal accommodation level due to regional capacity pressures. Whilst the number of prisoners held in crowded conditions at HMP Winchester has fallen during 2020/21 (42.8%) compared to 2019/20 (46.9%), HMPPS recognises the concerns raised by the Board. In terms of cell privacy, HMP Winchester’s double cellular accommodation are fitted with high fixed privacy screens which provides a certain level of privacy and the singular cells on Hearn have their own toilets. Regarding the poor ventilation of cells at HMP Winchester, as the Board are familiar, Prison Service Instruction 17/2012 Certified Prisoner Accommodation sets out the certification and management control of prisoner accommodation, specifically that all accommodation must have heating, lighting and ventilation to recognised technical standards. The temperature in a prison cell should be maintained at a ‘reasonable’ level, there is no specified limit on the upper temperature. The minimum temperature for cell accommodation is 19 degrees and 21 degrees in a healthcare setting. Fans will continue to be provided on request especially during the summer months and this issue will be monitored also being mindful of ventilation issues against compartmentalisation fire and safety on future work projects.
As the Board is aware, the wider problem of overcrowding in prisons is a longstanding issue and is not a simple task that can be easily addressed. I wish to assure the Board that the Government is committed to spending over £4 billion in capital funding to allow for significant progress in delivering additional prison places across England and Wales by the mid-2020s; thereby easing overcrowding in some areas. This includes creating four new prisons over the next six years and expanding on another four prisons over the next three years. Construction is well underway on HMP Five Wells, the new prison at Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, and works have started at Glen Parva, in Leicestershire. These additional prison places will have a positive impact not only overcrowding but will also provide accommodation that is safe and decent. It is worth to mention, that the extent to which the proportion of prisoners held in crowded accommodation will reduce, this will always be dependent on the levels of demand in the prison system.

Should there be a specified limit on the upper temperature in a prison cell? (See section 5.1).

Regarding the poor ventilation of cells at HMP Winchester, as the Board are familiar, Prison Service Instruction 17/2012 Certified Prisoner Accommodation sets out the certification and management control of prisoner accommodation, specifically that all accommodation must have heating, lighting and ventilation to recognised technical standards. The temperature in a prison cell should be maintained at a ‘reasonable’ level, there is no specified limit on the upper temperature. The minimum temperature for cell accommodation is 19 degrees and 21 degrees in a healthcare setting. Fans will continue to be provided on request especially during the summer months and this issue will be monitored also being mindful of ventilation issues against compartmentalisation fire and safety on future work projects.

What is the prison service’s plan to ensure that prisoners with mobility challenges have access to all parts of the prison, including the entrance and cells? (See sections 3.2, 4.1, 5.1).

The needs of individuals are currently being managed on a case by case basis through a newly created Social Care meeting to identify any infrastructure issues. HMP Winchester has recently invested in a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion Advisor to further ensure that equality related matters are addressed, where possible. However, the physical restraints of an old build prison come with limited adjustment options that can be achieved, and significant investment would be needed to make
HMP Winchester a modern purpose-built environment. As such, the prohibitive cost to replace the concrete staircase with a stair lift mentioned in last year’s response has been declined due to funding. Prisoners with more complex mobility and social care needs will be located in the Inpatient Healthcare Unit as the cells are designed better. The Governor will continue to work closely with Hampshire Social Services in providing support for those in need of social care.

Any necessary improvements that require central budgeting approval take far too long to get through the process. What is the prison service’s plan to deal with the long-standing surveillance issues which the IMB will identify in a separate letter, and the continuing problem of the defective vehicle entrance barrier? (See section 4.7).

It is accepted that securing central approvals can be a lengthy process. In part this is because the available funding is not always sufficient to meet demand, so inevitably the approvals process team also need to make decisions on prioritisation of individual projects. That said, it is recognised there is more to be done to ensure that prisons receive timely feedback on the project proposals that they have put forward.

HMP Winchester is right in its view, particularly given the state of its infrastructure, that the clean and decent project remains a vital initiative. Although the additional funding that accompanied its roll-out has been stopped, the prison is continuing to fund it. Can the extra funding be reinstated as a matter of urgent priority? (See section 5.1).

Unfortunately, there is no funding to continue with this project. Advice on products and tools produced by the Clean and Decent Project Team are available for staff to access on the intranet. Although the project has closed earlier than expected, each prison received on average of nine months support. This has placed HMP Winchester in a good position in terms of continuous improvement and understanding the drivers / underlying cleanliness and decent issues.

What is the prison service doing to hasten the upgrade to the healthcare bathroom and shower area which should be condemned? This work is very long overdue and the need for it was raised in our last two annual reports. (See section 6.3).

Funding for the healthcare toilet and shower facilities is included within the A wing Fire Safety Improvement project. Upgrading of the facilities will be carried out in conjunction with the fire safety improvements which are planned to start in the Healthcare Unit from March 2022. The Governor is also keen to work with Ministry of Justice Estates Team to progress matters and ensure that the physical environment matches his vision.

Can the prison service prioritise and reduce the extra policy initiatives and tasks, such as those examples given in Section 3.1, that it expects senior prison staff to action, to give them more time to concentrate on progress at HMP Winchester? (See Section 3.1).

During the pandemic it has been necessary for HMPPS to reflect the changes in community guidance and legislation through internal prison guidance via the Covid-19 Gold Command structure. The fast-developing nature of the community guidance has necessitated that where changes have had implications for prisons, it has been essential to issue regular changes and updates to guidance to best assist establishments in their delivery. Best efforts continue to be made to ensure that all updates are clear and concise.

In view of the apparent inconsistencies between prisons concerning which game consoles are approved for use, will the prison service review the policy on the types and availability of consoles that can be purchased and used by prisoners when transferred between establishments? (See section 5.3).

Game consoles are a key incentive which can offer prisoners a useful distraction, especially while prisons operate with a restricted regime and we appreciate that these items are valued by prisoners. HMPPS is aware that there is a significant appetite for access to more modern consoles as technology advances and this is something that is being explored as part of the wider digital strategy. We know the opportunity to play new generation games would be welcomed. However, consoles with Wi-Fi capability pose a significant threat to prison security which must be addressed before considering whether or not to authorise more modern machines.

Will the prison service introduce a barcode/tracking system to identify prisoners’ personal property? (See section 5.9).

Following a pause in the development of the new Prisoners’ Property policy framework due to Covid-19, a meeting with IMB representatives took place in August 2020. The feedback received from those members was considered alongside the comments received from other stakeholders, and comments from subsequent operational engagement. HMPPS has now circulated the draft framework with internal and external stakeholders, including the IMB Secretariat and the IMB representatives previously consulted, and the large number of comments received are being considered. As a result, the framework is expected to be published early next year. The framework will provide greater direction and standardisation on a national basis and has been designed with procedural justice at its core. It strengthens guidance on known problem areas such as volumetric control and seeks to ensure prisoners’ property is managed efficiently, effectively, consistently and with care and respect. While digital improvements to property processes are being explored, the nature of that work means that any digital changes are likely to be implemented longer-term and at this stage will not be part of the framework. However, property identification numbers will now be entered on the digital platform rather than be recorded by hand on the paper Person Escort Record. This will enable better tracking of property, should it be lost in transit. The Prisoner Complaints policy framework (national) has been revised, sections 5.3 and 5.4 specifically covers complaints that relate to another prison or property lost in transit. Locally at HMP Winchester, complaints that relate to another prison or property lost in transit, continue to be an area of frustration. The Governor has taken steps to ensure communications are improved; better communications on induction so that new arrivals understand the national and local processes pertaining to property. Likewise, internal communications have also been rolled out to staff, so they have a clearer understanding of the application process. The long-term plan is to have a dedicated member of staff to manage property related matters at HMP Winchester and will be considered as the prison reprofiles. Although there is no additional funding for this post, the Governor recognises the need to get this issue right in order to not only provide a decent level of service to prisoners but to mitigate claims for compensation due to property losses. Better compliance controls over cell clearances to ensure these are effective.

Can the canteen list include more items of fresh fruit and vegetable for prisoners who wish to purchase them? (See section 5.1).

The Governor will consult with the prisoners and review the variety of the canteen list if needed.

The provision of clerking to the board as agreed in the memorandum of understanding between the IMB and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), continues to be an issue. Despite best efforts, it has not been honoured fully due to the shortage of administrative staff in the business hub. Will the prison service provide the additional resources necessary to enable this requirement to be fully accommodated? (See section 8).

Although HMP Winchester has experienced staffing shortages across all grades, the Governor acknowledges the Memorandum of Understanding and its importance in providing the IMB with clerical support. The Governor is committed to providing improvements over the coming year.

Can the installation of a more secure gate to the dispensary on A wing, mentioned last year, be made a priority? (See section 6.3).

When will a photocopier, able to copy all mail, be available in the prison? (See section 4.6).

More clinical space is needed on the wings, especially for confidential mental health consultations. When will this be facilitated? (See section 6.3).

Can ACCT review be planned so that daily demands on prison and healthcare staff are manageable, thereby improving the quality of reviews? (See section 6.4).