Prison Staff Warned Against Using Inadequate Cells as Overcrowding Worsens
BBC News reports that prison governors in England and Wales have received a leaked document from the Prison Governors' Association (PGA) regarding overcrowding issues. The letter urges governors to adhere to legal requirements when using cells, ensuring they meet health and safety standards for the number of inmates housed within them.
"Keeping two prisoners in cells built for one isn't ideal... We don't have the space," shared a prison governor, highlighting the challenges of overcrowding, especially in older establishments with faulty plumbing and heating issues.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson emphasized that cells are only doubled up when deemed safe. The leaked document, titled Operational Capacity Guidance, underscores the legal obligation to certify cell adequacy for health and safety purposes, reiterating that prison numbers must not exceed available spaces.
Some staff express concern over perceived government pressure to accommodate more inmates, potentially compromising health and safety. They view this guidance as a warning to those responsible for setting maximum operational capacity, which lies with the Prison Group Director (PGD).
With the male adult prison estate at 98.5% capacity, sources indicate only around 1,200 spaces remain across a population of approximately 83,400 inmates in some prisons exceeding 1,000 inmates.