Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

HMP Wandsworth Update

13 May 2024 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

Justice & Courts

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government will publish an Action Plan by June 6 to address the Chief Inspector's findings.
  • Extra staff have been deployed, and training has been provided to address concerns at HMP Wandsworth.
  • Investments in security and living conditions are ongoing at the prison.

Issue summary

The statement addresses urgent concerns raised by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, about HMP Wandsworth regarding safety, overcrowding, and other significant issues.

Action requested

The government will publish an Action Plan by June 6 to address the Chief Inspector's findings. Extra staff have been deployed, training has been provided, and investments in security and living conditions are ongoing. Starting salaries for officers have increased, and additional training on body search and vehicle search procedures is underway.

Key facts

  • HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor raised significant concerns about HMP Wandsworth.
  • The Action Plan will be published no later than June 6 to address the concerns.
  • An £84 million programme has been invested in improving living conditions, healthcare facilities, physical security and fire safety measures.
  • Starting salaries for officers have risen from over £26,500 to more than £36,000 since 2019.
  • In 2023, the number of frontline prison officers at HMP Wandsworth increased by around 14 per cent.
  • Training around 50 staff in advanced body search procedures and an additional 70 in vehicle search procedures is ongoing.
  • Katie Price, Governor of HMP Wandsworth, has resigned after a 33-year career.
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