Moorland

Can the Minister encourage the development of specialised rehabilitation procedures for IPP prisoners within the prison system?

I fully recognise the Board’s concern regarding the rehabilitation of prisoners serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP) and I note that this is a recurring issue. The Government remains committed to progressing those serving IPP sentences towards safe and sustainable release. On 17 July 2025, we published a refreshed IPP Action Plan, which places a renewed emphasis on effective frontline delivery across both the prison and probation services. The plan ensures that individuals serving IPP sentences are supported through robust and tailored sentence plans and that they are located in establishments best suited to their rehabilitative needs. To strengthen accountability, the revised plan now includes measurable targets and is subject to statutory reporting requirements introduced through the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. The refreshed Action Plan was published in our IPP Annual Report and can be accessed using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmpps-annual-report-on-the-ipp-sentence-2024-to-25. Alongside this, we continue to work with organisations and campaign groups to ensure appropriate support is available for those still serving IPP sentences, including improved access to mental health services and rehabilitation programmes.
As you note in your report, HMP/YOI Moorland has embedded a comprehensive approach to managing IPP prisoners. It actively monitors IPP cases through monthly Red Amber Green reviews and facilitates engagement through regular forums, which include external stakeholders such as Parole Board caseworkers and staff from the HOPE Unit. These forums serve not only as a communication channel but also as a means of motivating prisoners to work towards successful release. All individuals are allocated Prison Offender Managers (POMs) with varying levels of experience, supported through Senior Probation Officer oversight, peer collaboration and access to internal resources. Psychological input and liaison with community probation services are routinely integrated and Offender Personality Disorder services are utilised where appropriate. Keyworkers receive clear guidance from POMs to ensure consistency in support.

Can the Minister say when the practice of using single cells to accommodate two prisoners will be discontinued?

I appreciate that the Board continues to be concerned about the use of single cells to accommodate two prisoners. I want to assure you that it remains under active review. The 10-Year Prison Capacity Strategy outlines our commitment to delivering 14,000 additional places, maintaining the existing estate and exploring new land acquisition. These measures are designed to reduce crowding and improve conditions across the estate. Additionally, implementation of recommendations in the Independent Sentencing Review will ensure long-term, sustainable solutions to the current capacity crisis. At HMP/YOI Moorland, I am reassured that cells are clean, well-maintained and compliant with national standards. The prison is also taking steps to enhance privacy, including increasing the provision of privacy screens. I am confident that HMP/YOI Moorland will continue to do all it can to ensure shared accommodation remains safe and decent.

How and when will the Prison Service resolve the issue of delay in transferring PIN numbers when a prisoner moves from a private sector establishment to a public sector one?

The transfer of approved PIN telephone numbers between prisons with different telephone providers has long been a source of frustration for both staff and prisoners. Currently, BT and Unify operate across the estate, and incompatibility between systems can result in delays. His Majesty Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) representatives have committed to engaging both providers in joint discussions to explore practical solutions to this issue. In the meantime, HMP/YOI Moorland has implemented a local process to mitigate the impact. Prisoners arriving from private sector establishments are seen in reception and provided with a form to complete. This is prioritised by the Business Hub and PIN numbers are promptly added. Since April 2025, no complaints have been received regarding this issue, indicating that the process is now well embedded and functioning effectively.

When will inadequate bandwidth, which prevents the consistent deployment of body worn video cameras, be addressed?

The Board’s concern about inadequate bandwidth preventing consistent deployment of body-worn video cameras (BWVCs) is acknowledged. Earlier this year, HMP/YOI Moorland experienced recurring issues with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag recognition and camera allocation. Motorola responded by updating the system to allow dual RFID processing, which significantly reduced delays. However, the primary challenge remains internet connectivity. BWVC equipment requires a stable connection to the video manager system for RFID-based camera assignment and activation. HMP/YOI Moorland’s location at the end of the internet line, fed from Thorne/Hatfield, contributes to performance issues during peak periods. To address this, HMP/YOI Moorland is included in the first phase of the Internet Breakout project, scheduled for rollout between mid-October and mid-November 2025. This will implement split tunnelling to enhance bandwidth performance. In the interim, staff have been supported with guidance on proper docking procedures and system stability has improved following the transition to a cloud-based platform and battery refresh.

How and when will the Prison Service reduce the amount of property lost during transfers?

The handling of prisoners’ property during transfers remains a priority for HMPPS. The Board’s concern is noted and HMPPS is currently reviewing findings from the IMB national thematic report and Independent Prisoner Complaint Investigations. Governors have been reminded of key property handling protocols, including the importance of compliance with volumetric control limits, which ensure that property within those limits, transfers with the prisoner. The introduction of the digitally recorded Prisoner Escort Record system has improved the accuracy of property tracking and handover between stakeholders. Prisoner Escort and Custody Services has confirmed that no complaints were received from HMP/YOI Moorland during the reporting year in relation to property loss.
Locally, HMP/YOI Moorland’s reception team works proactively with sending establishments to resolve issues where property has been left behind. Where necessary, staff are deployed to collect excess property directly. Items exceeding volumetric limits may be posted to family or friends. Weekly Regime Management Plan meetings chaired by the Deputy Governor prioritise property processing and distribution, ensuring that parcels and orders are managed efficiently.

Could more be done for IPP prisoners in the way of specialised rehabilitation to increase their chances of release and reduce the risk of subsequent recall to prison?

I fully recognise the Board’s concern regarding the rehabilitation of prisoners serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP) and I note that this is a recurring issue. The Government remains committed to progressing those serving IPP sentences towards safe and sustainable release. On 17 July 2025, we published a refreshed IPP Action Plan, which places a renewed emphasis on effective frontline delivery across both the prison and probation services. The plan ensures that individuals serving IPP sentences are supported through robust and tailored sentence plans and that they are located in establishments best suited to their rehabilitative needs. To strengthen accountability, the revised plan now includes measurable targets and is subject to statutory reporting requirements introduced through the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. The refreshed Action Plan was published in our IPP Annual Report and can be accessed using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmpps-annual-report-on-the-ipp-sentence-2024-to-25. Alongside this, we continue to work with organisations and campaign groups to ensure appropriate support is available for those still serving IPP sentences, including improved access to mental health services and rehabilitation programmes.
As you note in your report, HMP/YOI Moorland has embedded a comprehensive approach to managing IPP prisoners. It actively monitors IPP cases through monthly Red Amber Green reviews and facilitates engagement through regular forums, which include external stakeholders such as Parole Board caseworkers and staff from the HOPE Unit. These forums serve not only as a communication channel but also as a means of motivating prisoners to work towards successful release. All individuals are allocated Prison Offender Managers (POMs) with varying levels of experience, supported through Senior Probation Officer oversight, peer collaboration and access to internal resources. Psychological input and liaison with community probation services are routinely integrated and Offender Personality Disorder services are utilised where appropriate. Keyworkers receive clear guidance from POMs to ensure consistency in support.

While we recognise the considerable efforts already made by wing staff to identify prisoners who are suitable for training as Listeners, we would encourage exploration of anything more that might be done.

What more will the Governor do to improve the quality of health care provided?