Spaces in male prisons fall to lowest level of year, sources say
Male prison capacity in England and Wales has reached its lowest point this year, prompting the government to convert storage and office spaces into cells. Justice Secretary Alex Norris is expected to announce further adjustments to the early-release scheme to manage the overcrowding crisis.
Why it matters
The severe shortage of prison space highlights a critical infrastructure and policy challenge for the UK government, impacting public safety and judicial operations.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The early release scheme was launched in September to tackle overcrowding
The number of available spaces across the male prison estate in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest this year, sources have told the BBC.
As of 1 September, there were about 1,500 free spaces, just under half the number available at the start of June, which Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures put at 3,040.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris is due to give more details in the Commons later on changes to the early-release scheme, which aims to free up space in prisons as they near maximum capacity.
It comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes to the scheme, which will mean more prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, will remain behind bars for longer.
Laundry rooms to be turned into cells to tackle prison overcrowding
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