Prisons being on ‘crisis mode’ is harming efforts to reduce reoffending, MPs warn
The prison system in England is in a state of crisis, jeopardizing efforts to rehabilitate offenders and reduce crime rates, a committee of MPs has warned.
A report published by the Justice Committee on Friday highlighted overcrowding, chronic staff shortages and appalling living conditions as key factors undermining the goal of reducing reoffending.
The committee said it was “not surprising” that 80 per cent of crimes in England and Wales were re-offending, given that prisoners were “running out” of their cells due to capacity issues.
This environment means half of inmates do not participate in educational or work programs. Moreover, two-thirds of offenders remain unemployed or deprived of education six months after release; This highlights systemic failures.
The findings come as ministers face pressure following high-profile cases of the mistaken release of prisoners, described as a symptom that the system is under “terrible pressure”.
Committee chairman Andy Slaughter said: “Prison rehabilitation and efforts to break the cycle of reoffending do not work and cannot succeed in a system that faces critical pressures on so many fronts.
“The committee’s report reveals an overcrowded, understaffed, dilapidated prison site where the long-term focus on rehabilitation is often lost in an overstretched environment struggling to function day in and day out.
“Ministers must act quickly to fix the underlying problems and place greater emphasis on targeted rehabilitation programs in prisons.
“It is false economics to maintain a cyclical system in crisis mode that offers few real opportunities to turn prisoners’ lives around.”
The Labor MP added that it “cannot be right” that prisoners who choose to take part in rehabilitation activities are worse off because of prison failure.
The report found that many prisoners were locked up for 22 hours or more each day, and that a lack of time out undermined efforts to reduce recidivism and contributed to poor mental health.
“Their limited access to out-of-cell time comes down to choosing between a shower, a hot meal or fresh air,” Mr. Slaughter said.
The warnings come as prisons continue to be in the spotlight following the high-profile blunder over the release of Hadush Kebatu, the now-deported migrant who was at the center of protests in Epping, Essex, after it was revealed two prisoners had been released by mistake.
Data released by the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday showed that 91 prisoners were mistakenly released between April 1 and October 31 this year.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister David Lammy confirmed that three accidentally released prisoners were at large and confirmed that authorities were investigating a possible case of mistaken release on 3 November, who were likely still at large.
During police’s manhunt for two prisoners detained last week, Mr Slaughter said the events “point to a wider justice system at breaking point”.
In its latest report, the Justice Committee called for a renewed focus on ensuring prisoners can engage in meaningful activities that are key to rehabilitation.
MPs also warned that the educational attainment of detained children, who have the right to work 15 hours a week, is deteriorating.
They found how this minimum was routinely not met due to behavior management issues, staff shortages and efforts to keep some children separated.
“Given this, we are alarmed by reports of significant cuts to prison education budgets of up to 50 percent in real terms,” the committee said.
“We expect the government to explain the rationale for the planned budget cuts.”
Responding to the report, Prisons Minister Lord Timpson said it reflected the prison crisis the Government had inherited.
“We have already taken decisive action to end the chaos of overcrowding and are building 14,000 new prison places, reforming sentencing and investing millions in vital care so prisons can focus on rehabilitating offenders and keeping the public safe,” he said.
