Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The latest inspection of HMP Lewes found that levels of violence, self-harm and drug use remain notably worse than at other reception prisons. Just one third of prisoners are engaged in education or employment.
What specific steps are the Government taking to support the governor’s efforts, to ensure that these early improvements can be turned into lasting change?
HMPPS continues to monitor the prison carefully, and the chief operating officer’s visit on 7 May found a number of further improvements. If the hon. Gentleman wants to write to me, I can send him a full update on the actions being taken in relation to that prison.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific steps or commitments for addressing the issues at HMP Lewes.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that privatised contracts for prison maintenance have been detrimental to prisons. The last Government’s report recommended more privatisation.
Will the Minister release the last Government’s report recommending more privatisation of prison maintenance, suitably redacted if necessary?
A lot of the information is commercially confidential, but we are investing up to £300 million in 2025-26 to keep our prisons safe and secure. We have a prison estate conditions survey programme in place to better understand our estate.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the request for releasing the report on privatisation recommendations.
Discussed Investment Instead Of Release Of Report
Response accuracy