Summary
More than a thousand inmates in England and Wales will be released early to address prison overcrowding. This decision affects those serving one to four-year terms who are recalled for not following their release conditions, freeing about 1,400 spaces. Despite plans to build new prisons, the government states that construction alone will not solve the space crisis.
Key Facts
- Over a thousand inmates will be released early in England and Wales to deal with overcrowded prisons.
- The release affects inmates with sentences of one to four years, recalled for breaking release conditions.
- The move aims to free up around 1,400 prison places.
- The government plans a £4.7 billion investment in new prisons, starting construction this year.
- Officials warn they would run out of prison space in five months without intervention.
- The change will not apply to inmates considered high-risk or those who committed serious crimes.
- England is projected to run out of male prison spaces by November this year.
- Construction of three new prisons is planned, with a fourth already opened in York.
