Whatton

As in two previous Annual Reports, the Board remains concerned that there is currently no solution to the injustice of IPP sentences, although it notes that the issue is under political discussion. IPP numbers at HMP Whatton remain high (around 15%). These sentences have a severe impact on the mental health and well-being of affected prisoners. Many are serving considerably longer than their original tariffs intended. Although IPP sentences have been discussed and altered slightly, individual prisoners do not get support that refers specifically to their extended sentence. We believe that some form of regular interview with IPP prisoners would recognise the particular pressures that they are under and facilitate the development of realistic survival strategies. What measures is the Minister considering to resolve issues with IPP sentences?

HMP Whatton continues to receive complaints about missing property on transfer to the prison, causing anguish and frustration to prisoners. What plans does the Prison Service have to resolve this long-standing, service-wide problem?

What pressure is the prison management team exerting on the Prison Service to seek improvements to the prison’s healthcare facilities and the mechanisms for medication delivery, and what overall plan does it have in place for the improvements that are necessary?

Is the Minister aware of the poor oversight of projects affecting prisons? Problems include indeterminate starting dates, inadequate financial planning, and changes to contracts. Structural and maintenance projects planned by the prison and given financial go-ahead are frequently delayed or abandoned for reasons outside the prison’s control. Aside from the waste of time and resources, this affects the running of the prison and the ability of managers to respond to challenges, make plans or improve conditions. Similarly, when expansion is proposed, prison staff need to know about proposals well in advance so that regimes and staff numbers can be adapted to meet new estate provision. What plans does the Minister have to facilitate more reliable and efficient planning and implementation of projects?

Why is the Prison Service making significant cuts to specific, occupationally relevant education and training provision at training prisons, including to courses of proven value to PCoSO prisoners on their release? What plans are there to offset this and the likely problems it will inevitably cause?

In the absence of major improvements to these facilities, what is the prison’s strategy for ameliorating current difficulties and avoiding greater discontent or serious disruption by prisoners?

What initiatives is the Government prepared to explore to enable Prisoners Convicted of Sexual Offences (PCoSO) to build meaningful partnerships with employers and charities and to facilitate appropriate employment opportunities upon their release?