Prison vacancies fall to around 1,500 as early-release scheme is tightened

Prison vacancies across the male estate in England and Wales have dropped to about 1,500 as of 1 September, the Ministry of Justice and prison sources say, prompting changes to the early-release scheme announced by the Justice Secretary and the Prime Minister.

MoJ figures showed 3,040 available male spaces at the start of June, falling steadily to 1,665 by 24 August, with sources reporting a further decline to roughly 1,500 this week. The government plans to create additional cells by converting unused offices, laundry rooms and storage space, funded by a £110m reallocation from existing budgets.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris told the BBC that early release does not amount to unrestricted freedom and that victims would have input on restrictions. He said converted spaces could add between about 200 and 900 extra cells, while confirming operational needs such as laundry would be addressed.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes that will exclude some prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, from the scheme. The plan also includes deporting more foreign prisoners and releasing some inmates serving indefinite sentences to increase capacity.

Government data show 10,134 foreign nationals were in custody on 30 June, of whom 3,283 were on remand and therefore ineligible for deportation. In the year to June, 5,962 foreign offenders were deported, the highest annual total since 2017 and a 12% increase on the previous year.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The reported fall in available male prison spaces from 3,040 in early June to about 1,500 on 1 September has prompted policy changes and capacity measures described by the government. Announced responses include converting existing prison spaces to cells with a £110m reallocation and tightening the early-release scheme to exclude categories such as manslaughter convictions. Official figures also highlight removal and deportation of foreign nationals as a contributor to available space, with 5,962 foreign offenders returned in the year to June and 10,134 foreign nationals in custody on 30 June.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Available male prison spaces fell from 3,040 in early June to about 1,500 by 1 September.
• Government to use £110m from existing budgets to convert unused prison spaces into cells.
• Early-release scheme tightened; prisoners convicted of manslaughter to be excluded.

Kaynak: BBC