Portland

Response
I fully understand the Board’s concern around crowding and the sharing of cells at HMP/YOI Portland that were originally designed for one prisoner. I would like to reassure the Board that cells are only shared where a Prison Group Director has assessed them to be of adequate size and condition and meeting certain standards to ensure prisoners are accommodated safely. On 12 July, the Lord Chancellor announced a package of measures aimed at addressing prison capacity issues and preventing the collapse of the criminal justice system. On 11 December 2024, we set out our long-term plan for prison capacity through the publication of the 10-year Prison Capacity Strategy. This sets out our plans to deliver 14,000 additional prison places and create a resilient prison estate that includes the construction of four new prisons as well as expansion and refurbishment of the existing prison estate. Whilst this does not address the immediate crowding and cell sharing issues at HMP/YOI Portland, the strategy underlines our commitment to improving the overall estate and future direction.

Response
I note the Board’s comments around the management of the early release of prisoners, known as the End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL), which was a temporary scheme to alleviate population pressures. Changes to standard determinate sentences (SDS40) were introduced on 10 September 2024 as a more sustainable measure to reduce the prison population and ECSL was discontinued at that time. SDS40 does not apply to prisoners sentenced for sex offences and certain domestic-abuse related offences irrespective of length. It also excludes serious violent offences with a sentence of four years or more. Unlike ECSL, SDS40 has an implementation period that allows prison and probation staff to properly prepare for release, therefore reducing the risk of reoffending. I was therefore pleased to read the comments from the Board that recognise the positive work of the offender management unit (OMU), the recovery services and the healthcare teams that have contributed to the safe release and resettlement of those prisoners released from HMP/YOI Portland and I echo my praise to these frontline workers.

Response
I am keen to ensure that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is an attractive profession and attracts and retains the best staff. The 2024/25 Prison Service pay award delivered a pay rise of 5% for front line prison officers, supervising officers and custodial managers on modernised terms and conditions which brings the starting salary for an entry level officer from £32,851 to £34,494 which recognises the vital role of our prison staff. To ensure our staff are appropriately supported with ongoing training and professional development the Enable Programme is transforming how HMPPS trains, develops leads and supports prison staff by drawing on best practices from other region and evidence based academic research.

Response
I fully understand the Board’s frustration that they are raising a repeated issue about the detention of severely mentally ill people in prison whilst they await transfer to a suitable institution. We are committed to improving mental health outcomes for people in contact with the criminal justice system, to ensure that offenders and defendants with acute mental health needs receive timely support and in the most appropriate setting. We also recognise that vulnerable people in prison who meet the threshold for detention under the Mental Health Act and require a transfer to hospital continue to experience delays in accessing the specialist care and treatment they need. The government has pledged to introduce the Draft Mental Health Bill in the upcoming parliamentary session. The Bill includes several flagship reforms to improve access to mental health care for patients in the criminal justice system such as the introduction of a statutory 28-day time limit for transfers from prison to hospital. This time limit, together with operational improvements, aims to reduce unnecessary delays and deliver swifter access to treatment. The reforms will prevent courts from using prison as a place of safety for those awaiting treatment or assessment under the Mental Health Act. Instead, the defendant or convicted person must be transferred directly to hospital, ensuring swifter access to the care they need. The Bill will also reform the Bail Act 1976 to prevent courts from remanding a defendant for their own protection where their only concern relates to their mental health. Courts will be directed to bail defendants and work with local health services to put in place appropriate support and care. NHS England’s will continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen pathways from police custody and court into treatment.

Response
I note the Board’s comments around the management of the early release of prisoners, known as the End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL), which was a temporary scheme to alleviate population pressures. Changes to standard determinate sentences (SDS40) were introduced on 10 September 2024 as a more sustainable measure to reduce the prison population and ECSL was discontinued at that time. SDS40 does not apply to prisoners sentenced for sex offences and certain domestic-abuse related offences irrespective of length. It also excludes serious violent offences with a sentence of four years or more. Unlike ECSL, SDS40 has an implementation period that allows prison and probation staff to properly prepare for release, therefore reducing the risk of reoffending. I was therefore pleased to read the comments from the Board that recognise the positive work of the offender management unit (OMU), the recovery services and the healthcare teams that have contributed to the safe release and resettlement of those prisoners released from HMP/YOI Portland and I echo my praise to these frontline workers.

Response
The Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) are contractually required to return prisoners by the latest reception time, however due to late court sittings, together with long distances and circumstances such as unfavourable weather and traffic conditions, this can have a detrimental impact on arrival times. The escorts are required to ensure that the receiving prisons are informed of delays and agreement is sought in advance for the safe receipt of any late arrivals. There has been a slight improvement in HMP/YOI Portland’s turnaround times of vehicles for internal transfer which would suggest that engagement with the contractor and the prison is having a positive impact. HMPPS will continue to monitor all aspects of the contractors’ performance.

Response
Multiple occupancy cells are always the last to be allocated and filled as they are less popular with prisoners. Owing to the ongoing estate-wide population pressures, cell-sharing remains a necessity. However, cell allocation processes and polices are always adhered to such as Cell Sharing Risk Assessments along with consideration of individual needs and circumstances.

Response
We note the Board’s concern around the ventilation issues on Beaufort wing and lack of in-house laundry provision. We can confirm that there has been an Estates Investment proposal submitted to fund a site wide ventilation development programme, however it has not yet been confirmed when this funding will be provided. Funding has however been secured to address the RAAC on the laundry roof and this is currently out to tender with MOJ property services.

Response
We note the Board’s concern around the ventilation issues on Beaufort wing and lack of in-house laundry provision. We can confirm that there has been an Estates Investment proposal submitted to fund a site wide ventilation development programme, however it has not yet been confirmed when this funding will be provided. Funding has however been secured to address the RAAC on the laundry roof and this is currently out to tender with MOJ property services.