Recommendation 1
Will the minister ensure that additional resources are provided for capital projects necessary to maintain the fabric of the prison? The two main areas are the improvements to reception, and the installation of air conditioning in the visits halls.
Government response
I am very sympathetic to the needs at HMP Preston, and elsewhere across the estate. Prioritising the potential projects to develop the capital maintenance programme for 2020-21 has been a very challenging task for those responsible as, despite an uplift of funding, there are still many very deserving projects where it has not been possible to provide funding for. The decisions of what to include and exclude were not taken lightly or in isolation from operational considerations.
Looking at HMP Preston’s current position, I am pleased to report that the body scanner machine is now in operation, which should help tackle contraband entering through reception. In terms of the reception area, quotations are currently being gathered for minor work adjustments although at this present time no funding is in place to complete the works. However, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Prison Maintenance Group is in the process of working collaboratively with HMP Preston to put together an Estates Investment Proposal (EIP) bid for submission to the Ministry of Justice Estates Investment Board. The EIP will cover many options for the reception building, including demolition of the existing building and rebuilding a reception fit for purpose, although it must be recognised that it will be far from straight forward given the physical layout, particularly as the current building houses prisoners on upper levels and the site area is extremely tight. This will also be a very expensive project to fund. The Governor will keep you updated on any progress made.
With regards to installing an air conditioning system in the visits hall, work is progressing. A contractor has been appointed and once the partnering agreement has been signed, detailed design surveys will be undertaken in readiness for the installation. However, please note that due to Covid-19, work schedules can often be deferred to a more suitable time.
Looking at HMP Preston’s current position, I am pleased to report that the body scanner machine is now in operation, which should help tackle contraband entering through reception. In terms of the reception area, quotations are currently being gathered for minor work adjustments although at this present time no funding is in place to complete the works. However, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Prison Maintenance Group is in the process of working collaboratively with HMP Preston to put together an Estates Investment Proposal (EIP) bid for submission to the Ministry of Justice Estates Investment Board. The EIP will cover many options for the reception building, including demolition of the existing building and rebuilding a reception fit for purpose, although it must be recognised that it will be far from straight forward given the physical layout, particularly as the current building houses prisoners on upper levels and the site area is extremely tight. This will also be a very expensive project to fund. The Governor will keep you updated on any progress made.
With regards to installing an air conditioning system in the visits hall, work is progressing. A contractor has been appointed and once the partnering agreement has been signed, detailed design surveys will be undertaken in readiness for the installation. However, please note that due to Covid-19, work schedules can often be deferred to a more suitable time.