More cells being built within prisons to help tackle overcrowding
The UK government is investing £110m to convert unused space in existing prisons into new cells to address severe overcrowding. Justice Secretary Alex Norris emphasized that early release schemes for prisoners will include strict monitoring and victim consultation.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing crisis in the UK justice system and the government's struggle to balance prison capacity with public safety concerns.
Image source, Getty Images By Ella Kipling and Olivia Ireland Published 31 August 2026 Updated 1 hour ago The government is spending £110m on creating more cells in existing prisons in England and Wales as part of its plans to tackle overcrowding.
The money, which has been "fast-tracked from existing budgets", will be used to convert existing space within prisons, such as unused office space, laundry rooms and storage space into cells the Ministry of Justice said.
The government has been under pressure over an early release scheme for prisoners to free up space as prisons near maximum capacity.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris told the BBC he could assure people that perpetrators being released early "does not mean freedom", adding that victims will have a say in restrictions placed on criminals, adding he wanted "victims to live their lives as fully as possible".
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