Ageing prison population

Justice Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 15 Apr 2020 Closed: 29 Apr 2021 Parliament page
This inquiry looked at the impact on the prison system of an ageing prison population. Older prisoners are the fastest growing group in prisons and they have specific needs. We explored what these needs are and how they are catered for by the prison system. We also looked at the … Read more
20 Recommendations
1 Conclusion
1 Report
3 Letters
2 Events
Activity timeline 5 events
17 Nov
2020
Report published
27 Jul
2020
Report published
2 Jul
2020
Correspondence
2 Jul
2020
Correspondence
1 Jul
2020
Correspondence
Title HC No. Published Items Response
5th Report - Ageing prison population HC 304 27 Jul 2020 21 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
Clear
5 Recommendation Acknowledged
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
It can be very difficult to accommodate some older individuals on the prison estate.
It can be very difficult to accommodate some older individuals on the prison estate. Steps taken by some prisons to develop specific wings or units for older prisoners are welcome, though the variability of individual needs should be considered. Good … Read more
Government Response
The government references existing guides on best practice for older prisoners and states it is exploring how to embed this practice across the estate as part of the older offenders strategy. However, it does not explicitly commit to designating specific accommodation, developing new adapted accommodation during prison expansion, or exploring bespoke forms of custody.
Ministry of Justice
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12 Recommendation Acknowledged
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
An ageing prison population will increase demand for social care services in prisons.
An ageing prison population will increase demand for social care services in prisons. While the Care Act 2014 has brought some improvements, standards of provision are highly variable across the estate. A more strategic and coordinated approach is needed to … Read more
Government Response
The government mentions launching peer-to-peer guidance in 2018 and improving its dissemination, and states HMPPS is currently looking at the possibility of procuring a national provider for social care training, but does not provide a comprehensive update on the action plan or future provision plans.
Ministry of Justice
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20 Conclusion Acknowledged
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
We disagree with the argument that older prisoners’ needs are too wide-ranging to generalise.
We disagree with the argument that older prisoners’ needs are too wide-ranging to generalise. Though it is important to treat each prisoner as an individual, there is a commonality among older prisoners which warrants a specific approach to their management. … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the broader issue of older prisoners by stating it is considering models for accommodating them as part of an older offenders strategy, with further updates planned upon its publication.
Ministry of Justice
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Government Response AI assessment · 21 of 20 classified
Accepted 2
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 5
Not Addressed 10
Total 20 recs + 1 conclusion
Correspondence 3 letters
2 Jul 2020 Ageing prison population inquiry written evidence from Prisons & Probation Ombudsman
Parliament page
2 Jul 2020 Ageing prison population written evidence from Ministry of Justice, Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, NHS England and Improvement
Parliament page
1 Jul 2020 To committee Letter from Sue McAllister CB, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, dated 12 June 2020, regarding Ageing Prison Population
Parliament page