26
Accepted
By 19 June 2020, some 500 prisoners and 10 children in custody had tested positive...
Conclusion
By 19 June 2020, some 500 prisoners and 10 children in custody had tested positive for COVID-19. A further 992 staff within HMPPS had tested positive for the virus. Up to 26 June 2020, 44 people categorised as ‘HMPPS service users’ had died where COVID-19 was the suspected cause. Of these, 23 were prisoners and 21 were probation service users. At the time of our evidence session, there had been no COVID-19 related deaths of service users since the week ending 29 May.57
Government Response Summary
The government committed to publishing prison population projections by the end of 2020 and providing an update by April 2021 on its COVID-19 management strategy for the prison estate, including plans for temporary accommodation. They also highlighted progress on new prison builds to deliver 10,000 new spaces by 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2021 4.2 The department will publish prison population projections by the end of 2020 and, following this, will be in a position to forecast how the prison population is likely to change in the coming years. The projections will reflect the impact on demand as a result of various factors, including court recovery. 4.3 New prisons at Wellingborough (to be named HMP Five Wells) and Glen Parva are on track, and the 10,000 prison spaces build programme is set to be delivered by 2026. The department is continually assessing its strategy for managing COVID-19 in the prison estate based on the latest scientific advice. By April 2021, the department will provide an update on progress, including on plans for expected use of temporary accommodation.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
Improving the prison estate
Report
Fifteenth Report - Improving the prison estate
11 Sep 2020
HC 244
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.9 yrs
Report published
11 Sep 2020