Prison staff told not to use inadequate cells as overcrowding worsens
Summary
Prison governors in England and Wales were told not to use unsafe cells to deal with overcrowding. A leaked letter says cells must meet health and safety rules, but many prisons are still housing two prisoners in single cells due to pressure and lack of space.Key Facts
- Prison governors received a letter warning them to follow laws on cell size, lighting, heating, ventilation, and fittings.
- Overcrowding in male prisons is causing staff to double up prisoners in cells meant for one.
- Some prison cells have problems like broken plumbing or heating, making them unsuitable for housing inmates.
- The Ministry of Justice says cells are only doubled up when it is safe.
- The law requires that prison capacity cannot be exceeded and cells must be certified as safe by inspectors.
- Operational capacity is decided by Prison Group Directors, not governors.
- The male adult prison population in England and Wales is about 83,400, with only around 1,200 empty spaces left.
- Staff say there are not enough workers or infrastructure to safely manage extra prisoners.
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