Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prison Conditions

Tuesday 10 December 2024 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The prison estate conditions survey programme assesses the state of the prison estate
  • Investment of 220 million in maintenance for 2024-25 and up to 300 million in 2025-26 is planned
  • New prisons will incorporate training, education, addiction, and mental health support

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Justice & Courts
Context

The prison estate conditions survey programme assesses the state of prisons, but issues remain. Approximately 4,000 cells were lost due to dilapidation under the previous government.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of prison conditions? The prison estate conditions survey programme is ongoing, yet 4,000 cells have been lost to deterioration under the last Government. What specific measures are being taken to improve these conditions?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

The prison estate conditions survey programme assesses the state of our estate, and we are investing £220 million in maintenance for 2024-25, up to £300 million in 2025-26. However, there is still much work to be done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgent work and humane conditions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Justice & Courts
Context

A constituent at HMP Coldingley reported poor conditions including drug use, violence, discrimination, lack of healthcare access. The situation has worsened to the point where he attempted suicide.

Question

What urgent work is being done to ensure humane conditions in all prisons? A constituent at HMP Coldingley described prevalent drugs, violence, and denied healthcare leading to a life-threatening situation. Another report deemed these conditions 'inhumane'. What urgent measures are taken?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

This Government aims for the best possible prison conditions. We inherited a crisis, but if the hon. Member wishes to write about this issue, I will be happy to respond.

Not addressed: Urgent work and humane conditions at HMP Coldingley

How: Suggesting Writing For A Response

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

The construction of 20,000 new prison places is progressing, which the previous government failed to deliver. These Victorian prisons lack rehabilitation facilities.

Question

What thought has been given in designing and operating these new prisons for inmate training, education, addiction, and mental health needs? The construction of 20,000 new prison places progresses, but current prisons lack rehabilitation support.

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

These new prisons will incorporate all mentioned aspects. The Government plans to add 14,000 more prison places.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Design and operation details of new prisons

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email