Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prison Capacity

Tuesday 8 December 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister committed more than 4 billion to deliver 18,000 additional prison places by the mid-2020s.
  • Department expects to make a decision on community centre plans in spring 2021.
  • Priority for new prison places will be given to serious sexual and violent offenders.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Everitt
Justice & Courts
Context

The Department is being asked about measures to increase prison capacity.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to increase prison capacity?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We have committed more than £4 billion to deliver 18,000 additional prison places across the prison estate by the mid-2020s. These include 10,000 places through four new prisons and expansions of other prisons.

Answered
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Q2 Katherine Fletcher
Context

The Wymott bowling club is planning a new community centre but needs clarity on the Ministry of Justice's timeline for releasing land.

Question

Can my hon. and learned Friend share when the community centre can have some certainty and get its exciting plans under way?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We expect to make a decision on this in spring 2021, and my officials are planning to meet Ms Kitching in mid-December.

Answered
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Q3 Ben Everitt
Justice & Courts
Context

Concerns about the prioritisation of offenders for the new prison places.

Question

Can my hon. and learned Friend confirm what types of offender will be prioritised for these new prison places?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

The additional places will deliver a mix based on population type and category, enabling us to ensure prisoners are kept in the right security category according to their risk assessment. Serious sexual and violent offenders and those who are dangerous will be prioritised for longer prison sentences.

Answered
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Q4 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Justice & Courts
Context

Criticism regarding the credibility and delivery of previous commitments to increase prison capacity.

Question

Why should anyone believe him about delivering 18,000 new prison places?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

Overcrowded accommodation has decreased since 2004 under the Labour Government. We have made significant progress on developing two prisons and are committed to building others. These plans are well under way and will be delivered.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reasons for not trusting new commitments

How: Pointing Out Previous Government'S Record, Highlighting Current Progress

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