Prison Capacity Annual Statement 2026-01-29

The Government have delivered around 2,900 additional prison places since July 2024, with over 5,000 more under construction. They are investing up to £7 billion towards the delivery of 14,000 additional prison places by 2031. The sentencing reforms will ensure that punishment works to cut crime and protect the public, including a presumption in favour of suspending short custodial sentences for less serious offenders, which is expected to reduce reoffending rates significantly. Additionally, probation service capacity is being strengthened with an investment of up to £700 million by the end of the Parliament.

While supporting plans to increase prison capacity, Nick Timothy criticises the government for taking credit for prisons set up and funded before their election. He points out that no new prisons have been planned or approved since July 2024. The Minister's claim of creating significant prison places is dismissed as nonsense.

Minister of State for Justice emphasised Labour's progress on sentencing reforms, deportation processes, and prison construction, dismissing criticisms about delays and officer numbers.

Conservative MP questioned the effectiveness of current policies, calling for stricter measures against foreign criminals and challenging the government’s stance on sentencing.

Asked about reducing prison populations through rehabilitation efforts, education cuts, and reforms to indeterminate sentences for public protection. Highlighted concerns over rising numbers of recalled offenders.

Welcomed provisions in the Sentencing Act but raised concerns about female prisoners serving short-term sentences, timelines for new land acquisition and prison builds, retention of probation officers, and cuts to education budgets.

Supports comments on reducing prison capacity by reforming joint enterprise laws so only those who make a significant contribution to a crime are convicted. Cites the issue leading to multiple people serving mandatory life sentences.

Acknowledges complexity of issues raised and agrees to meet Kim Johnson to discuss them further. Emphasises support for third sector and private sector involvement in prison education provision.

Questions the reduction in prison education budget by 25% despite increased prices, suggests decentralizing budgets to prison governors could reduce costs. Asks how good behaviour will be defined for prisoner release.

Sympathetic towards arguments made and states plans to involve third sector and private sector wherever possible, referencing the Texas model as a successful reform example.

Backs up Minister's statement in response to shadow Justice Minister, emphasising the need for action beyond words. Requests meeting with Minister to discuss increasing safety for prison staff and introduces issue of care leavers overrepresentation in prisons.

Welcomes Sally Jameson's comments on PAVA introduction and reiterates no change plans despite High Court judgment. Will meet to discuss care leavers strategy with her.

Raises concerns about remand population, suggesting curfews and tags as an alternative to prison for non-risk individuals on remand. Asks Minister to look into this option.

Acknowledges independence of judiciary in deciding cases but agrees backlog in Crown courts is a fundamental issue needing legislative solutions.

Requests Minister's support to keep Jailhouse Café, a rehabilitation initiative on Portland, open by finding financial solution for repairs and securing long-term occupancy agreement.

Agrees to meet Lloyd Hatton and work with Expia to find practical solutions supporting the café’s reopening.

Questions Minister's stance on shoplifting, citing it as a crime against property owners. Emphasises need for credible punishments including custodial sentences for serious offenders.

Acknowledges importance of prosecuting shoplifting and emphasises the role of short-term sentencing in cases such as domestic abuse or for prolific offenders.

Questions figures on prison capacity impacted by fire safety concerns. Requests updated modelling from Leveson review to be shared with Justice Committee.

Agrees to write details about fire safety impacts and will provide updated modelling as part of upcoming legislation for the Justice Committee's reference.

Asks about remaining capacity in category A prisons. Requests confirmation on 12 prison projects recommenced by a new contractor after ISG Construction Ltd went into administration.

Promises to write details regarding the status of construction projects, confirms ongoing workstream within Department for high-security prison future.

Raises concern about rehabilitation aspect being missed in rush to free up space. Cites higher reoffending rates among those serving short sentences in Northern Ireland.

Acknowledges urgency of freeing up prison capacity, emphasising the potential collapse of criminal justice system without immediate action.

This Government are absolutely committed to rehabilitation —that is a thread throughout the Sentencing Act, which has just received Royal Assent. Thinking about my diary over the next few weeks, I am going to visit a literacy project in Doncaster and colleges that are linking up with prisons. We have to look at this issue creatively and holistically to make sure we have the services and resources in our prisons to offer educational and work programmes.