State of crisis

The report sets out the current state of crisis in our prisons and wider criminal justice system with a range of key facts well known to most readers. It points out that we have the highest imprisonment rate in Western Europe and it is only increasing. There are over 87,000 people in prison in England and Wales, almost double the prison population in 199 and the prison population is expected to exceed 100,000 by 2029

80 per cent of offending is reoffending. The economic and social cost of reoffending is estimated to be around £18 billion a year and is a major contributor to the size of the prison population.

Our prisons are currently operating in a state of crisis. They are overcrowded, often in bad and unsanitary condition, and face issues such as a shortage of funds, gangs operating with impunity, drones undermining security, an alarming availability of drugs and over-stretched, demoralised staff.

The Lords highlight that while purposeful and productive activities makes prisons safer and reduces reoffending on release, there is currently only limited access to these services in most prisons.  

The Committee focused on the leadership, governance and staffing of prisons and focuses its recommendations on these issues. 

The purpose of prisons

The Committee says that prison governors are hindered by an over-complicated and confusing management structure, excessive bureaucracy (preventing their greater visibility both within
their prison and among the local community), lack of autonomy, inadequate support and professional development opportunities, lack of continuity (with governors frequently transferred between prisons) and inadequate sharing of good practice.

It argues that the MoJ should strike a better balance between governor autonomy and centralised control, ensuring that Governors have the necessary authority
to lead effectively.

Staffing

The report criticises both the recruitment and training processes for new prison officers. It recommends that the MoJ introduce more frequent and role-specific training for prison officers and that existing training for those working with women and children should be reviewed and lengthened.

Accountability

The Committee laments the lack of impact of the Prison Inspectorate’s reports and argues that HMIP should be given enhanced powers, with the ability to place prisons in special measures and require reports from prisons and HMPPS on actions taken in relation to recommendations.

The report is extremely critical of both Government and civil service leadership:

“The present poor system is a consequence of many leadership failures over years by both Ministers and officials in the Ministry of Justice and in HMPPS. The Secretary of State and the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice need to recognise this and that HMPPS owns the need for radical reform and has the will and new capabilities to engage with it; external support will be essential for this.”

The report concludes that the current Prison Minister Lord Timpson understands the need for change and what needs to be done and urge for him “to be strongly backed by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Justice.”

Thanks to Andy Aitchison for kind permission to use the header image in this post. You can see Andy’s work here.