Rehabilitation of Prisoners Prison Estate 2024-01-09
2024-01-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced a recent letter from independent monitoring board chairs highlighting that prisons are overcrowded, not safe, and that most prisoners do not lead a 'useful' life. The questioner notes there is a maintenance backlog amounting to £3 billion.
I was delighted to receive an invitation from the Minister's colleague to visit Wormwood Scrubs Prison in my constituency this Thursday but less delighted when it was withdrawn on the basis of error. Had I been permitted to attend, I would have raised concerns based on a letter stating that prisons are overcrowded and unsafe. Given these issues, can the Prisons Minister outline his plans to make prisons fit for rehabilitation?
We continue to invest in our prison estate with nearly £4 billion towards 20,000 modern prison places. Additionally, we have increased staff numbers by 6.7% last year and are launching the national regime model this month which will require prisons to set out plans for dedicated purposeful activity.
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Assessment & feedback
The maintenance backlog and its resolution were not addressed specifically
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes he was invited but then the invitation was withdrawn. The questioner references a letter from independent monitoring board chairs stating that prisons are overcrowded, not safe, and most prisoners do not lead a 'useful' life.
I received an invitation to visit Wormwood Scrubs Prison in my constituency this Thursday, but it was withdrawn on the basis of error. Given concerns raised by 10 independent monitoring boards about prison conditions, can the Minister explain his plans to address these issues and ensure prisons are fit for rehabilitation?
I shall certainly be happy to have that discussion with the hon. Gentleman if he feels it would be useful. We are launching the national regime model this month which requires prisons to set out ambitious plans for dedicated purposeful activity.
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Assessment & feedback
The maintenance backlog and its resolution were not addressed specifically
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Reports from His Majesty's chief inspector of prisons highlight issues related to staffing and access to education, among others. The questioner asks whether a strategy focused on rehabilitation is necessary.
I have highlighted in the past how I might have gotten people into Wormwood Scrubs Prison and helped them out. Now, HMCI reports raise concerns about staff numbers and lack of purposeful activity. Is it time for a whole-of-Prison Service strategy with rehabilitation at its center? Might a statutory definition of prison purposes including rehabilitation help?
I am happy to discuss this further. We have increased staff numbers by 6.7% and are launching the national regime model which will hold prisons accountable for setting out plans for dedicated purposeful activity.
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Assessment & feedback
The specifics of a statutory definition were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The latest figures show that the reoffending rate has increased. The questioner attributes this to poor rehabilitation due to overcrowding, understaffing, and unsafe conditions in many prisons.
Reoffending rates have risen partly because prison is failing to rehabilitate prisoners given how overcrowded, understaffed, and dangerously unsafe many prisons are. In one case, prison officers had to wade through raw sewage during heavy rain while prisoners remained locked in cells. Does the Minister accept that these conditions breed crime?
I do not agree with her assessments. Reoffending rates are down compared to 2010, and we have increased staff numbers by 6.7% last year. We highlight success in reducing reoffending through tough community sentences.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific condition of prisons breeding crime was not directly addressed with evidence or commitments
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister attempted to defend the Government's record on prisons, but it is noted that only 380 out of 1,000 promised pop-up prison cells were built by the end of 2023.
The Minister tried to defend the Conservative's record on prisons, but they have failed to build the necessary prison spaces. Only 380 out of 1,000 promised pop-up prison cells were built last year. Can the Minister confirm when the remaining 620 places will be constructed?
We are committed to building 20,000 new prison places. Two prisons have already been built and one is in construction. We hope to receive planning permission for two more.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline was provided for the remaining pop-up cells
Working With Partners
Response accuracy