Hatfield

Response
I appreciate the concerns that you have raised around the impacts of wider population pressures impacting delivery in the Category D estate. HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) continues to strive to maintain offender flows in the face of ongoing population pressures across the entire adult male prison estate and is reviewing and maximising the capacity within the open estate. Please be assured that this is being undertaken with an understanding of the important role that Category D prisons play in helping to ensure that we successfully resettle people back into our communities and our ambition is that every prison’s regime offer should be underpinned by the fundamentals of rehabilitation. The work that New Futures Network deliver at HMP/YOI Hatfield is an excellent example of how this can be achieved. Prisons in the open estate are encouraged to ensure that the rehabilitation needs of each prisoner are met. Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS) are designed to support prisoners address the needs linked to their offending and to achieve the stability they need to do so. We are reviewing the design and commissioning of these services to ensure that our future CRS services will more effectively deliver services to people leaving custody and align with wider services to best meet people's resettlement and rehabilitative needs.

Response
I am sorry to hear of the concerns caused by delivery of maintenance service within the prison. Unfortunately, the maintenance contractor is not mandated to deliver their obligations in a particular way. However, changes are being planned for the monitoring of their performance and it is hoped that this will assist progress in this area.

Response
As outlined in your report, there has been considerable investment to improve the site with around £433k being provided for the refurbishment of showers on B wing. In terms of the need for ongoing refurbishment, funding has been secured to refurbish and improve the four recess areas at the Lakes site. Further investment to replicate and improve showers to the same standard as B wing is actively being sought and tenders are invited to undertake the work before the end of this financial year. The establishment will continue to prioritise further investment and in the interim, the Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling, Decent team and cleaners have been tasked to improve recess facilities in all areas.