Pact response to Chief Inspector of Prisons Annual Report

In response to the publication of the Annual Report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Andy Keen-Downs CBE, CEO of Pact said:

“This report is another reminder of the desperate state of too many of our prisons. In particular, the ready access to drugs is deeply worrying and is undermining efforts to create places of rehabilitation where people are supported to make a fresh start on release.

“The crisis in the criminal justice system stems from political decisions stretching back decades and a conveyor belt of ministers who have largely failed to display the courage required to deliver change. A year on from the General Election, this Government has brought with it a sense of hope and optimism. The Sentencing Review, investment in the Probation Service and reform of mental health legislation will all help to relieve pressure on our overwhelmed and overcrowded prisons.

“However, there remains much to be done to turn prisons into places where people can make a fresh start and go on to lead good lives on release. In particular, more investment in improving prisoners’ family relationships would help to deliver safer prisons and reduce reoffending. When compared to the cost of other interventions such as programmes around accommodation or substance misuse, family provision costs very little, and yet has disproportionately large benefits.”