Pentonville

The crumbling state of Pentonville remains a serious concern to the Board. The conditions in which prisoners must live are inhumane and contribute to mental health issues, self-harm and violence. Will the Minister commit to providing additional financial resources to HMPPS to enable urgent improvements to the fabric of the prison, and if so, when?

I have read your report with care and understand the Board’s concerns around HMP Pentonville’s physical fabric. I am pleased to report that capital investment is being made with a rolling programme of shower upgrades now underway at HMP Pentonville, which is expected to complete within the current financial year. Temporary showers have been installed in G Wing, and a project to permanently convert cells into showers is in design. Delivery is being considered for the 2026/27 funding programme. The Board will be aware that the cell window replacement programme is ongoing and has significantly improved the external environment by preventing the disposal of waste from windows, which previously attracted vermin. In addition, projects to rebuild the Clothing Exchange Store (CES) and to replace boilers and heating pipework are in design and development. Both are being considered for funding in the 2026/27 programme.

When will the Minister provide adequate financial resources to HMPPS to enable offender management units to cope with the extra work involved in implementing initiatives aimed at reducing the prison population, as well as fulfil their day-to-day responsibilities?

With reference to Offender Management Unit (OMU) resourcing, as part of the Workforce Delivery Project, a review of staffing models across adult public sector prisons – including HMP Pentonville – has been completed. It considered cohort complexity, infrastructure, and other operational factors. Implementation planning is underway, but any staffing increases remain subject to affordability. A national review of OMU case administration led to significant investment across the estate with staffing increases of over 175 full time equivalent posts in total. This included additional resource at HMP Pentonville. Locally, the Governor has also reviewed OMU structures and recruited additional managers and case administrators to strengthen oversight.

How will HMPPS ensure that, following the end of the maintenance contract with GFSL, robust contract arrangements will be put in place to ensure that repairs are done in a timely manner and that there are penalties for poor performance?

The Ministry of Justice is now running a competitive tender process under the Property Transformation Programme (PTP) to secure new contracts. Future contracts will include enhanced requirements and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with financial penalties governed by a Performance Credit Model. A revised performance framework will prioritise first-time fixes and permanent repairs. Providers will operate local helpdesks to improve efficiency and resource allocation. Furthermore, PTP is establishing a dedicated contract management team to ensure consistent oversight and timely issue resolution. Until contract expiry, existing services are managed under the GFSL Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which includes a structured performance framework. At HMP Pentonville, a dedicated Area Property Operations Manager (APOM) works closely with GFSL and the Governor to monitor delivery. The new FM site manager attends daily operational meetings to provide updates on remedial works and enable direct escalation of delays. Maintenance progress is also reviewed at the monthly Estates Tripartite Meeting, whereby concerns can be raised with senior MOJ Property and Estates managers.

The transfer of property between prisons remains chaotic and the 2022 Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework has made no noticeable difference. When will this dysfunctional system be overhauled?

HMPPS acknowledges the Board’s concerns regarding the management of prisoners’ property. The issue is receiving renewed focus, informed by the IMB national thematic report and a five-year review of complaints by the Independent Prisoner Complaint Investigations team. In response, Governors and senior leaders have been reminded of key property handling protocols, including adherence to volumetric control limits. Further consultation with prisons is underway to address additional issues raised in the reports.

The ACCT documentation (revised in 2022) remains overly complicated and cumbersome. When will HMPPS revise this essential documentation, given its potentially life-saving importance?

HMPPS remains committed to strengthening ACCT processes. The ongoing record form has been revised to align with the Safety Framework (effective 1 January 2025), featuring clearer prompts, simplified language, and reducing the form from six pages to a four-page format to support efficient record keeping. The Safety Group continues to provide targeted support, including an ACCT quality assurance visit to HMP Pentonville in June 2025 to upskill staff and senior leaders. In light of the urgent notification, further coaching from the National Safety Team has been provided in risk identification and management.

What will HMPPS do to create more spaces in the estate for prisoners convicted of sexual offences so that they can move on from unsuitable prisons such as Pentonville and start offending-behaviour courses?

HMPPS has increased investment in accredited programme resources for PCoSO prisoners. HMP The Verne is set to begin delivering Building Choices, while HMPs Ashfield and Rye Hill have received additional funding to expand provision. Existing Offending Behaviour Programmes (OBP) resources have also been directed to PCoSO cohorts at HMPs Five Wells, Oakwood, and Fosse Way, enhancing national provision. A new Digital Prison System (DPS) approach, launched last year, enables Prison Offender Managers to identify suitable prisoners for Building Choices immediately following a completed or updated OASys. The system also facilitates rapid digital referrals and helps locate delivery sites—supporting establishments such as HMP Pentonville in making appropriate transfers. HMPPS continues to conduct annual demand reviews to ensure resources are targeted effectively.

What will HMPPS do to support the Governor to stem the flow of drugs, especially NPS, into Pentonville, which could include, for example, increased perimeter security and anti-drone systems?

In 2025, HMPPS is investing over £40 million in physical security across 34 prisons, including anti-drone measures such as window replacements, external grilles, and netting at 15 priority sites. An anti-drone wire solution is also being trialled in the Long-Term High Security Estate. All prisons, including HMP Pentonville, are equipped with specialist contraband detection tools such as X-ray body and baggage scanners and Trace Detection Units. At Pentonville, a window replacement project is underway to further strengthen security. HMP Pentonville also has a dedicated Drug Strategy Lead overseeing a coordinated approach to supply reduction, demand management, and recovery. This includes an Incentivised Substance-Free Living (ISFL) unit, offering enhanced conditions for prisoners who commit to remaining drug-free. The mandatory drug testing programme detects a wide range of substances, including Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A new testing contract enhances flexibility and responsiveness to emerging drug trends. Seized substances can also be forensically tested, including for NPS.

What additional measures will you take to ensure that all officers wear their body worn video cameras and use them in the event of an incident, in particular where force is used?

What will you do to ensure that a robust system is put in place to ensure that every prisoner arriving at Pentonville has a clean, fully equipped cell, a welfare call and a meaningful induction?

How will you implement a system for ensuring that, at a minimum, those prisoners deemed most in need of one will be allocated a key worker, and that the amount and quality of key work is monitored?

What will you do to increase utilisation of the wellbeing centre, which has such a beneficial impact on many of the prisoners who attend it?

How will you ensure that maintenance issues are recorded and fixed in a timely manner?

The Ministry of Justice is now running a competitive tender process under the Property Transformation Programme (PTP) to secure new contracts. Future contracts will include enhanced requirements and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with financial penalties governed by a Performance Credit Model. A revised performance framework will prioritise first-time fixes and permanent repairs. Providers will operate local helpdesks to improve efficiency and resource allocation. Furthermore, PTP is establishing a dedicated contract management team to ensure consistent oversight and timely issue resolution. Until contract expiry, existing services are managed under the GFSL Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which includes a structured performance framework. At HMP Pentonville, a dedicated Area Property Operations Manager (APOM) works closely with GFSL and the Governor to monitor delivery. The new FM site manager attends daily operational meetings to provide updates on remedial works and enable direct escalation of delays. Maintenance progress is also reviewed at the monthly Estates Tripartite Meeting, whereby concerns can be raised with senior MOJ Property and Estates managers.