Rapid Deployment Cells Programme
2026-09-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The rapid deployment cells programme aims to increase prison capacity. However, there are concerns about stalled projects due to contractor issues.
What steps are being taken to increase the speed of the delivery of the rapid deployment cells programme? Despite delivering 1,000 rapid deployment cells across 20 sites, there are stalled projects due to the collapse of the contractor ISG, and contractors are lacking a long-term pipeline. Given the societal benefits of the programme and reduced operational impact, will the Minister review affordability criteria to bring more projects forward?
The Minister is committed to delivering 14,000 additional prison places by 2031. She acknowledges the stalled projects due to the collapse of ISG and is working to deliver the plans on time or ahead of time. She will look into the issues raised.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to reviewing affordability criteria specifically.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The rapid deployment cells programme aims to increase prison capacity. However, there are concerns about stalled projects due to contractor issues.
I thank the Minister for her answer. However, following the collapse of the contractor ISG, there are a number of stalled projects in the programme that cannot be brought forward, and contractors are lacking a long-term pipeline. Given the wider societal benefits of the programme—it is delivered through modern methods, in factory conditions—and the reduced operational impact, as the cells are made offsite, will the Minister ask her officials to review affordability criteria, so that we can bring more projects forward?
The Minister is working to deliver the plans on time or ahead of time. She will look into the issues raised and ensure that the plans are delivered properly.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to reviewing affordability criteria specifically.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a staffing shortage in prisons, with 1,600 prison officers lost under Labour. HMP Millsike has 1,100 prisoners but an operational capacity of up to 1,500 due to staffing issues.
Rapid deployment cells are one option, but the question remains of why the Government are not making use of fully certified cells. HMP Millsike has an operational capacity of up to 1,500, but it has only 1,100 prisoners, due to staffing issues. Can the Minister guarantee that she will replace the 1,600 prison officers lost under Labour by next year?
About 80% of Millsike's capacity is in use. Occupancy will increase as and when it is appropriate and safe, and as and when we have the correct culture and processes established on the site. The Government have brought forward £110 million in investment to bring onsite any available space that is not currently in use, and will continue to do so while making up for staffing shortages.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not guarantee to replace the 1,600 prison officers lost under Labour by next year.
Response accuracy