Just 557 prison spaces left as jailed population hits new all-time high

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. There are just 557 spaces left across the entire prison estate, with that number thought to be significantly lower in men’s jails, which also includes spots in Category D “open prisons”, for which most prisoners are not eligible. The Prison Governors Association told The Independent on Thursday that it was “inevitable” that prisons would run out of space, as judges were reportedly ordered to delay sentencing criminals to avoid overwhelming the system. The government’s promise of six new prisons is not expected to materialise until 2030, reports suggest Asked about reports of measures the government is considering, Carl Davies of the Prison Governors Association said: “In terms of an immediate short-term intervention, anything which frees up space in prison we would see as a positive outcome, and clearly any scheme which targets low-risk offenders to divert them away from custody or release them would be something we would support.” While it is difficult to assess how many spaces such measures could free up, given that any decisions on sparing criminals jail or releasing prisoners from custody would still be subject to risk assessments, “it’s likely to make an impact in areas of the prison estate where there’s most challenge”, Mr Davies said. “While we are carrying out the biggest prison-building programme since the Victoria era, and have taken decisive action to expand capacity further by doubling up cells in the short-term, the prison estate remains under pressure.” Mr Chalk’s “programme of reform” will “ensure that we can continue to strengthen public protection by locking up the most dangerous criminals”, a spokesperson added.