Ageing prison population
Justice Committee
Closed
Inquiry
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 …
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20
Recommendations
1
Conclusion
1
Report
3
Letters
2
Events
Activity timeline 5 events
17 Nov
2020
2020
27 Jul
2020
2020
Report published
2 Jul
2020
2020
2 Jul
2020
2020
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Report - Ageing prison population | HC 304 | 27 Jul 2020 | 21 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
10 results
1
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
A clear definition of the older prisoner is necessary for establishing a more strategic approach...
A clear definition of the older prisoner is necessary for establishing a more strategic approach to the cohort and the ageing prison population. We do not take a view on what that definition should be, but whatever age threshold is …
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Government Response
The government's response focused on the publication of updated prison population projections, which did not address the recommendation regarding the necessity of a clear, evidence-based definition of an older prisoner or the need to keep such definitions under review.
Ministry of Justice
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2
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
At the very least, older prisoners will remain a significant proportion of the prison population.
At the very least, older prisoners will remain a significant proportion of the prison population. It is likely that the size of the cohort will rise further after increases in police numbers and changes to sentencing come into effect. It …
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Government Response
The government did not commit to publishing updated projections for the ageing prison population. Instead, it described investments in new prison places designed for older prisoners and committed to providing an update on a long-term estates strategy.
Ministry of Justice
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6
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
There needs to be greater recognition across the prison estate that some older prisoners will...
There needs to be greater recognition across the prison estate that some older prisoners will be unable to engage with the normal regime. Suitable activities and forums should be available to older prisoners to support their welfare and rehabilitation. We …
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Government Response
The government's response mentions NHS England and HMPPS working to support vulnerable patients in healthcare, but it does not address the recommendation for ensuring best practice on older prisoner regimes or designating older prisoner leads in all prisons.
Ministry of Justice
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8
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
An ageing prison population will increase pressure on prison healthcare.
An ageing prison population will increase pressure on prison healthcare. To ensure an equivalent standard of care as in the community, it is important that prison healthcare services are appropriately resourced, and staff have awareness of age- related health conditions. …
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Government Response
The government's response details the procurement and rollout of telemedicine software and equipment across prisons to ensure access to health services during the pandemic. It does not address the recommendation for designated older prisoner healthcare leads, staff training on age-related issues, or general resourcing for an older prison population.
Ministry of Justice
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9
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
Older prisoners are disproportionately affected by cancellations to external medical appointments, and their health can...
Older prisoners are disproportionately affected by cancellations to external medical appointments, and their health can be seriously impacted by non-attendance. While increasing the number and availability of prison staff to escort prisoners to appointments is important, we also recommend that …
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Government Response
The government's response focuses on healthcare providers having targeted conversations with older prisoners about symptoms, but does not address the recommendation to review increasing telemedicine or other innovative ways for prisoners to access medical advice.
Ministry of Justice
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11
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
Continuing to incarcerate prisoners with severe dementia, who may no longer remember or understand why...
Continuing to incarcerate prisoners with severe dementia, who may no longer remember or understand why they are imprisoned, raises practical and ethical 46 Ageing prison population considerations, especially as their condition is very difficult to manage on the prison estate. …
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Government Response
The government describes general initiatives to develop social care in custody, including a partnership board and social care training, but does not specifically address reviewing alternative housing arrangements for prisoners with advanced dementia.
Ministry of Justice
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13
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
Peer support or ‘buddy’ schemes can be an effective way to help meet the care...
Peer support or ‘buddy’ schemes can be an effective way to help meet the care needs of older prisoners. We commend the good work done by some prisons in partnership with third sector organisations to develop such initiatives. Prisons must …
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Government Response
The government's response discusses end-of-life care and early release on compassionate grounds, but does not address the recommendation regarding training and oversight for peer support schemes for older prisoners.
Ministry of Justice
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14
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
The ageing prison population has and will continue to increase the need for end-of- life...
The ageing prison population has and will continue to increase the need for end-of- life and palliative care in prisons. We welcome the publication of the Dying Well in Custody Charter and the good practice at some establishments. But standards …
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Government Response
The government's response focused on pre-release planning for older offenders under a new resettlement model, which did not address the recommendation to ensure properly resourced palliative care in prisons or to review care outside prison for terminally ill prisoners and the effectiveness of compassionate release.
Ministry of Justice
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15
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
Prisoners applying for early release on compassionate grounds should have their applications processed in an...
Prisoners applying for early release on compassionate grounds should have their applications processed in an efficient and timely manner. This is especially important for terminally ill prisoners near the end of their lives. We recommend prisons identify a single member …
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Government Response
The government's response discusses various accommodation services for offenders upon release, including Approved Premises and Langley House Trust, but it does not address the recommendation to designate a single staff member responsible for progressing compassionate release applications.
Ministry of Justice
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17
Recommendation
Not Addressed
5th Report - Ageing prison populat…
There is a shortage of suitable accommodation for older prisoners following their release, which can...
There is a shortage of suitable accommodation for older prisoners following their release, which can undermine their rehabilitation and prevent them from successfully re-integrating into society. We are particularly concerned about reports of older individuals being released to no-fixed abode. …
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Government Response
The government's response focuses on ensuring prisoners are pre-registered with a GP in their release area to facilitate healthcare continuity. It does not address the recommendation for suitable provision of age-appropriate post-release accommodation for older prisoners.
Ministry of Justice
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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