Covid-19 Lockdown in Prisons 2020-11-03
2020-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to understand how prison management has evolved during the pandemic, especially after initial strict national restrictions.
What lessons his Department has learned from the implementation and effect of the covid-19 lockdown in prisons. In March, we faced 2,500 to 3,500 deaths according to Public Health England's worst-case scenario, and decisive action was taken. As the pandemic continues, a more localised approach is now being developed, allowing governors to operate regimes proportionate to their local risk.
In March, we faced 2,500 to 3,500 deaths in our prisons according to Public Health England's worst-case scenario, and we took decisive action. As the pandemic continues, a more localised approach is now being developed allowing governors to operate regimes proportionate to their local risk. Throughout the pandemic, the importance of prisoners' wellbeing and mental health has been recognised and responded accordingly.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific lessons learned are not clearly articulated beyond general statements about actions taken.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns over ongoing restrictions in prisons that may harm mental health, prompting a request for continued support measures.
Given the likelihood of extreme restrictions continuing throughout winter, will the Minister guarantee additional phone credit for prisoners and free video calls for families for the duration of the pandemic? During the last wave, 1200 handsets were made available with £5 extra phone credit, and video calling was rolled out.
We did make available 1,200 handsets and £5 extra phone credit, and we rolled out video calling. We will continue to consider whether these measures are appropriate in the next phase.
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Assessment & feedback
No guarantee is given for continued provision of additional phone credit and free video call access during the pandemic.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns over thousands of people being released from prison with limited job prospects, financial resources, and disrupted rehabilitation processes.
When will we have an action plan to support prisoners released with no job, money or second chance, after spending months in cells for 23 hours a day? Many face increased risk of reoffending. An existing national framework is being rolled out in many prisons with measures like increased social visits and offender management.
We already have a national framework being rolled out in many prisons with increased social visits, offender management measures. We are reassessing the position following further national restrictions and will have an action plan.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact timeline for when the full action plan will be implemented is not specified.
Response accuracy