Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rehabilitation of Prisoners: Prison Estate

Tuesday 9 January 2024 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister confirmed investment of nearly 4 billion towards 20,000 modern prison places.
  • HMCI reports raised concerns about staff numbers and lack of purposeful activity in prisons.
  • Government launched the national regime model requiring prisons to set out plans for dedicated purposeful activity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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Minister's colleague to visit Wormwood Scrubs Prison in my constituency this Thursday but less delighted when it was withdrawn on the basis of error.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?

Answer from Edward Argar

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The maintenance backlog and its resolution were not addressed specifically

How: Working With Partners

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Q2 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
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The MP notes he was invited but then the invitation was withdrawn.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.

Question

I received an invitation to visit Wormwood Scrubs Prison in my constituency this Thursday, but it was withdrawn on the basis of error.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?

Answer from Edward Argar

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The maintenance backlog and its resolution were not addressed specifically

How: Working With Partners

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Q3 Bob Neill Con
Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Edward Argar

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of a statutory definition were not addressed

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Q4 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Edward Argar

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific condition of prisons breeding crime was not directly addressed with evidence or commitments

How: Working With Partners

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Q5 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Edward Argar

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline was provided for the remaining pop-up cells

How: Working With Partners

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