Prison spaces ‘fell into double figures’

The UK prison system is facing a severe crisis, with available cells for adult males having reportedly fallen into double figures. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the annual judges’ dinner at Mansion House: “Prisons were not just in crisis, they were on the point of collapse,” adding that they were “weeks away from running out of space altogether.” She went on to noted that “at one point, the prison places remaining in the adult male estate fell into double figures.” This prompted the Government to initiate early releases for approximately 1,100 inmates. The Government aims to create 14,000 additional prison spaces, as the prison population increases by 4,500 annually. A review led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke will explore alternative punishments and strategies to manage the growing prison population. Meanwhile, Ms Mahmood has revealed that the Government plans to increase the maximum period eligible offenders can spend under house arrest from six months to 12 months.