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
Title HC No. Published Items Response
5th Report - Ageing prison population HC 304 27 Jul 2020 21 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
3 Recommendation Deferred
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
It is welcome that the new prison places planned as part of the Government’s expansion...
It is welcome that the new prison places planned as part of the Government’s expansion of the estate will be designed to better accommodate older prisoners and others with disabilities or limited mobility. However, the number of new places delivered … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is considering models for older offenders within an upcoming older offenders strategy and will provide updates upon its publication. However, it defers addressing the specific provision of physical adaptations in existing prisons as part of the long-term prison estate strategy, and does not provide a timeframe for its publication.
Ministry of Justice
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4 Recommendation Deferred
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
We are concerned that HMPPS is not consistently fulfilling its duties towards older and disabled...
We are concerned that HMPPS is not consistently fulfilling its duties towards older and disabled prisoners, as required by the Equality Act 2010. These prisoners should not be housed in establishments where the physical design prevents them receiving equitable treatment. … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is considering models for accommodating older offenders as part of an older offenders strategy and will provide an update once this strategy is published.
Ministry of Justice
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7 Recommendation Deferred
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
We praise prison staff, HMPPS and MoJ officials for their work in responding to the...
We praise prison staff, HMPPS and MoJ officials for their work in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. The virus has brought into sharp relief many of the issues affecting the prison system, including the particular health vulnerabilities of older cohorts. … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is developing proposals on staffing and training models to support older prisoners as part of the upcoming older offenders strategy, with further updates planned upon its publication, rather than directly confirming how HMPPS will continue to ensure ongoing monitoring and appropriate treatment for prisoners with existing health conditions.
Ministry of Justice
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10 Recommendation Deferred
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
The prevalence of dementia in prisons is poorly understood and prison staff can lack awareness...
The prevalence of dementia in prisons is poorly understood and prison staff can lack awareness of the condition. All older prisoners should have access to screening services for dementia, and prison officers who work with older prisoners should receive training … Read more
Government Response
The government is considering models for accommodating older offenders as part of an older offenders strategy and will provide a further update once this is published.
Ministry of Justice
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18 Recommendation Deferred
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
Prisons, local authorities, and health and care providers do not always work together effectively to...
Prisons, local authorities, and health and care providers do not always work together effectively to ensure continuity of older prisoners’ health and social care. This can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s health and their efforts to re-integrate into … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the need for a national strategy for older offenders to ensure consistent treatment and effective resettlement, stating they have commenced work on this strategy and will update the committee upon its publication.
Ministry of Justice
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Government Response AI assessment · 21 of 20 classified

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